The news had been in the air for a few months. First the Democratic Party had thought about the possibility of running Ilaria Salis to the next European elections in June. But then the invitation from Elly Schlein it had been declined by the teacher who had strong doubts about running with the Democratic Party. Now, however, his candidacy with is official Green Left Alliance. During the afternoon of today, April 18, Ilaria signed the documents in prison in Hungary: he will be the leader in the North West.
«The Greens and Left Alliance in agreement with Roberto Salis has decided to nominate his daughter Ilaria, detained in Hungary, in conditions that seriously violate people’s rights, on its lists in the next European elections», we read in the official statement released by the left-wing party.
On the reason for the decision to nominate Ilaria Salis, the party specified that the objective is «generate a great and generous battle so that the European Union defends the principles of the rule of law and reaffirms the inviolability of fundamental human rights throughout its territory and in each of its member states. Ours is a gesture that can serve to denounce uncivilized methods of detention, especially towards those who are still awaiting trial“, it is read.
Roberto SalisIlaria’s father, confirmed that his daughter’s decision to run is not dictated by an attempt to escape from the trial in which she is accused in Hungary but to be able to face it with full protection of her rights.
Ilaria Salis has been in prison for 13 months in Hungary on charges of having attacked and caused injuries to some far-right militants in Budapest during a rally. For months, Ilaria’s family has been criticizing the methods of detention in which her daughter is subjected, which are totally disrespectful of human rights. His candidacy is probable election to European Parliament it also opens up new scenarios for his procedural situation.
If Ilaria Salis wins the elections she will be released from prison
If Ilaria won the European elections she would obtain parliamentary immunity. The parliamentary regulations indicate that members of the European Parliament enjoy immunity and cannot be arrested or subjected to restrictions on their freedom for the entire duration of their mandate, except in the case in which they are arrested in flagrante delicto. This is to guarantee the independence of MEPs in the exercise of their functions.
Thanks to parliamentary immunity, she would therefore be immediately released from prison. With the release of the prisoner, a new procedure would open. The Hungarian judicial authorities will in fact have to send the President of the European Parliament a request for authorization to proceed in order to resume the trial against Salis. Hungary must therefore ask Parliament to suspend immunity. It will then be up to the European Parliament to decide whether to confirm total immunity with a ban on investigation, detention or legal proceedings against her until the end of her mandate. Or deny immunity or deny it only partially thus authorizing the Hungarian authorities to continue the trial. A trial in which Ilaria will be able to participate as a free citizen and without chains on her feet. Parliament would vote in plenary session and a simple majority would be needed.
The only doubt is how Parliament will vote given that the facts date back to a period before the election.
Tags: Ilaria Salis wins European elections
