An Italian anti-fascist activist, Ilaria Salis, has been released from house arrest in Hungary after being elected as a new member of the European Parliament for the Italian Green and Left Alliance. Salis, who was under house arrest in Hungary, had her electronic bracelet removed by local police in Budapest. She is set to return to Italy with her father by Monday, coinciding with her 40th birthday.
Salis faced charges in Hungary for allegedly assaulting far-right demonstrators but was elected to the European Parliament during her time under house arrest. European Parliament lawmakers benefit from legal immunity from prosecution, even for crimes committed prior to their election.
Over 170,000 voters in Italy wrote Salis' name on the ballot in an effort to bring her back from Hungary, where she had been detained for over a year. The news of her release was met with joy by party leaders of the Italian Green and Left Alliance.
Salis became a prominent figure in Italy after images of her in handcuffs and shackles during her trial in Hungary circulated. She was part of a group of anti-fascists accused of assaulting individuals believed to be associated with the far-right Day of Honor event.
The Day of Honor, an annual event on Feb. 11, commemorates a failed attempt by Nazi and allied Hungarian soldiers to break out of Budapest during the Red Army's siege in 1945. The alleged victims of the assault did not file complaints with the police.
Before the European Parliament election, Salis' father expressed concerns about her trial, citing the potential for a lengthy prison sentence. The Hungarian prosecutor had requested an 11-year prison term, while Salis faced the possibility of up to 24 years behind bars.
