The European Parliament has narrowly voted to maintain the parliamentary immunity of Italian Member of the European Parliament Ilaria Salis. The vote concluded with a tally of 206 in favor and 205 against, effectively blocking her extradition to Hungary.
Salis was facing extradition requests from Hungarian authorities, who sought to prosecute her on suspicion of involvement with the so-called “Antifa Hammer Gang.” These allegations have drawn attention amid broader political debates regarding activists and opposition figures in Hungary. The decision by the European Parliament means she will remain in the EU legislature, shielding her from extradition at this time.
The vote underscores the ongoing tension between national judicial processes and parliamentary immunity protections within the European Union. Salis’s case has become a focal point for discussions about political rights, legal accountability, and the role of immunity in safeguarding elected representatives. The outcome reflects the delicate balance the EU seeks to maintain between respecting member states’ legal procedures and ensuring the protection of legislators from politically motivated charges.