Budapest/Berlin — The highly controversial trial of German activist Maja T. has taken yet another dramatic turn. Just as a final decision was expected to close one of the most politically charged legal battles in recent European history, the Budapest court has once again hit the brakes. The verdict, originally anticipated in January, has been pushed to February 4, 2026.

For Maja T., a non-binary activist from Jena, this delay prolongs a nightmare that has already spanned over a year of solitary confinement, a desperate hunger strike, and a diplomatic standoff between Germany and Hungary. With the prosecution demanding a sentence of up to 24 years, the stakes could not be higher.

Here is the full breakdown of the shock announcement and the scandal that continues to grip the European public.

The “Unexpected Twist”: Why the Delay?

The Budapest Regional Court stunned defense lawyers and international observers by announcing that the final judgment would not be delivered on schedule. Instead, the proceedings have been adjourned until early February.

Official reports cite procedural hold-ups, including delays in finalizing psychiatric evaluations and the need for additional closing statements. However, critics view this as part of a pattern of psychological pressure. Defense attorney Tamás Bajáky has publicly criticized the “inhumane” pace of the trial, arguing that every extra day in Hungarian custody poses a severe risk to his client’s mental and physical health.

The prosecution, meanwhile, remains unrelenting. In their closing arguments delivered in mid-January, they described the alleged actions of the “Antifa Ost” group as a “series of unprecedented attacks” and urged the court to impose a maximum penalty to serve as a deterrent against left-wing extremism.

Prison Nightmare: Solitary Confinement & Hunger Strike

The delay is particularly devastating given the conditions Maja T. faces. Since being extradited to Hungary in June 2024—a move the German Federal Constitutional Court later ruled “unlawful”—Maja has been held in strict isolation.

• Hunger Strike: In the summer of 2025, Maja staged a 40-day hunger strike to protest prison conditions described as “torturous.”

• Daily Reality: Reports from legal teams confirm 23-hour lockups, constant video surveillance, sleep deprivation via hourly checks, and cells infested with bedbugs.

• Health Impact: Following the hunger strike, Maja’s health reportedly deteriorated significantly, with heart rate issues and severe weight loss.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the treatment of the non-binary defendant, arguing that the Hungarian penal system is unable—or unwilling—to guarantee basic safety for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The Defense’s Bombshell: “No Proof of Identification”

While the prosecution relies on the narrative of a violent, organized group, the defense delivered a powerful counter-strike during their January 22 plea.

Attorney Bajáky demanded a full acquittal, exposing what he calls a gaping hole in the prosecution’s case: lack of evidence.

• Video Analysis: The defense argued that security footage of the Budapest attacks does not clearly show Maja T. striking anyone.

• Identity Gaps: No witness has positively identified Maja T. as one of the attackers.

• Guilt by Association: The defense claims Maja is being prosecuted solely based on alleged connections to the “Hammerbande” group, rather than proof of individual criminal action.

“There is no proof Maja was at the scene, nor any proof of violence,” Bajáky told the court. “This trial is proceeding on assumptions, not facts.”

A Diplomatic Failure: The “Unlawful” Extradition

Looming over the entire trial is the shadow of a massive judicial failure in Germany.

In 2024, German authorities handed Maja T. over to Hungarian police in a covert night-time operation. Hours later, Germany’s highest court, the Federal Constitutional Court, issued an injunction stopping the extradition—but it was too late. Maja was already across the border.

The court later ruled the extradition unlawful, citing the failure to ensure Maja would not face inhumane treatment. Despite this ruling, the German government has been unable to secure Maja’s return. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has stated that a transfer back to Germany can only be negotiated after a verdict is reached in Budapest—leaving Maja trapped in legal limbo until February 4.

What Happens Next?

All eyes are now fixed on February 4, 2026.

• Scenario A (Conviction): If found guilty, Maja faces 20+ years. Berlin will likely immediately petition for Maja to serve the sentence in a German prison.

• Scenario B (Acquittal): A surprise acquittal would be a massive embarrassment for the Hungarian prosecutor but a triumph for the defense.

• Scenario C (Diplomatic Deal): A guilty verdict followed by an immediate transfer deal to Germany is seen by experts as the most likely political solution.

Until then, Maja T. remains in a Budapest cell, waiting for a decision that will define the next two decades of their life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is Maja T. on trial in Hungary? A: Maja T. is accused of being part of a group that attacked alleged neo-Nazis during the “Day of Honor” far-right gathering in Budapest in February 2023. Charges include grievous bodily harm and membership in a criminal organization.

Q: How long is the potential prison sentence? A: The prosecution is seeking a sentence of up to 24 years. A plea deal offering 14 years was previously rejected by Maja T.

Q: Was the extradition from Germany legal? A: No. The German Federal Constitutional Court ruled the extradition unlawful because authorities failed to verify that Maja would be treated humanely. However, the ruling came after Maja had already been handed over to Hungarian police.

Q: What are the prison conditions like for Maja T.? A: Defense lawyers report “inhumane” conditions, including solitary confinement, 24-hour surveillance, sleep deprivation, and insect-infested cells. Maja T. went on a 40-day hunger strike in 2025 to protest these conditions.

Q: When is the final verdict expected? A: After multiple delays, the verdict is now scheduled for February 4, 2026.