Appeal Process in the Maja T. Case in Budapest: Prosecution Demands Harsher Sentence and Stricter Prison Regime

The appeal process for Maja T., a non-binary person from Germany, has officially opened in Budapest. The prosecution is demanding a severe increase in the prison sentence to over 13 years, alongside a transfer to a high-security prison regime. The defense is seeking full acquittal, citing a lack of clear evidence, procedural violations, and transfobic abuse endured in Hungarian custody.
In February, Maja T. was sentenced in the first instance to eight years in prison for alleged participation in attacks against far-right participants during the so-called "Day of Honor" in the Hungarian capital. The final judgment from the court of second instance is expected on September 30.
Prosecution Demands Higher Sentence and Stricter RegimeThe prosecution has filed a motion to increase the prison term to over 13 years (within a legal sentencing range of 2 to 24 years) and requested that Maja T. serve the sentence under a strict penitentiary regime (Zuchthaus).
This classification severely restricts movement within the facility and significantly complicates eligibility for early conditional release. The prosecutor argued that the court of first instance erred by failing to recognize that the perpetrators acted with intent regarding potential life-threatening injuries.
Defense Highlights Evidentiary Gaps and Procedural FlawsMaja T.'s defense attorney requested a complete acquittal, pointing to several critical flaws in the prosecution's case:
Lack of Unambiguous Identification: Municipal CCTV footage does not conclusively confirm Maja T.'s presence at the scene.
Unsubstantiated Use of Weapons: The medical expert failed to present definitive evidence showing that the victims' injuries were caused by dangerous weapons, such as batons.
Violation of Due Process Rights: Maja T. was not provided with the complete case file translated into German, impairing the ability to properly present a defense.
Legality of Extradition and Detention ConditionsMaja T. was arrested in Berlin in December 2023 and handed over to Hungarian authorities in June 2024. The German Federal Constitutional Court later ruled that the extradition order issued by the Berlin Higher Regional Court was unlawful, as judges failed to adequately evaluate whether human rights and safety standards for non-binary individuals would be guaranteed in Hungarian detention.
According to reports, Maja T. has repeatedly cited incidents of mistreatment and violence by prison staff in Hungary, directly linked to discrimination based on gender identity.