New Political-Diplomatic Clash Between Budapest and Rome Over Ilaria Salis' Judicial Case

A new political-diplomatic clash along the Budapest-Rome axis has emerged over the judicial case of Ilaria Salis, the 39-year-old teacher detained in Hungary since February 11, 2023, on charges of aggravated assault against some right-wing extremists. The situation escalated with a very heavy message released by the Hungarian government, which explicitly accuses the executive of Giorgia Meloni of trying to unduly influence the course of the trial: "It is surprising that Italy seeks to interfere in a Hungarian judicial case," wrote Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on social media immediately after meeting with the head of the Farnesina, Antonio Tajani. An attack fully endorsed by Viktor Orban, as it was published from the X account of his spokesman, Zoltan Kovacs. "This lady - Szijjártó pressed on - presented as a martyr in Italy, came to Hungary with a clear plan to attack innocent people on the streets as part of a radical left-wing organization. I sincerely hope she receives the deserved punishment in Hungary." Ilaria Salis: "Looking for a house in Budapest, hoping for house arrest. In cell 23 hours a day and dinner is not provided. Chains? Normality here." Ilaria Salis, the reaction of the Farnesina Clear and completely unexpected words that provoked a firm reaction from the Farnesina. From Rome, a statement reads, there is "no will to interfere, but the clear intention to press to verify that the detention conditions respect European regulations that call for the protection of human rights." During the meeting, the Farnesina informed, Tajani handed the Hungarian minister "a new, detailed memorandum on the detention conditions of the compatriot, highlighting the need for a fair trial and ensuring the dignity and fundamental rights of Ms. Salis, on whose case the Italian embassy in Budapest is constantly committed." The meeting The meeting, it is learned, took place in an atmosphere of substantial cordiality, without anything that could predict the subsequent Hungarian reaction. Following the delivery of the memorandum, the Hungarian minister simply reported that the issue, even in Budapest, has taken on significant political value in recent weeks. Nothing more. Hence the suspicion that his reaction had already been planned. The political clash The back and forth has reignited the political clash over the Salis case. "I hope that Tajani - attacked the leader of the Italian Left, Nicola Fratoianni - lets the Hungarian friends of Meloni and Salvini know that asking for the respect of civil human rights does not mean interference. If the Orban government is allergic to the rules of civilized living, it can always leave the EU in which it sits undeservedly." The Democratic Party also made a clear statement. "Based on the words of the Hungarian minister, Ilaria Salis is to be considered guilty before a sentence is even issued," commented the Democrat Tatjana Rojc. For Debora Serracchiani, Szijjártó's words are "unacceptable." Finally, Lia Quartapelle, very critical of the head of the Farnesina: "He agreed with the expulsion of Orban's party from the EPP and now is being scolded by one of his ministers. A deep involution by Tajani." Roberto Salis, Ilaria's father, also reacted furiously to the words with which the Hungarian minister defined his daughter: "We must ask him what he means by 'martyr,' if he means a person tortured for 35 days then Ilaria is a martyr." Meanwhile, at the next hearing scheduled for March 28, the lawyer will, as announced in recent days, request house arrest in Hungary, a necessary step to possibly obtain it in Italy. The Salis family has announced they have found a "solution" in Budapest. "Ilaria is a strong person - said the father -. Two days ago, I was informed by the Arci of Sieci, near Florence, that on May 1 my daughter will receive the silver mimosa."