Government officials express worry over the detention of Maja T.
In a heartrending turn of events, Maja T., a 24-year-old non-binary German national, has been on a hunger strike since early June 2025 while incarcerated in Hungary. Maja was arrested in Berlin in December 2023 and was extradited to Hungary in June 2024, despite an ongoing urgent proceedings at the Federal Constitutional Court.
Maja's health has deteriorated significantly due to the prolonged hunger strike. They have lost an alarming 14 kg and are facing a health threat due to their panorama heart condition. Doctors are now considering the implantation of a pacemaker, a decision that Maja's father vehemently opposes. Moreover, Maja could be transferred to a civilian hospital, but they would be constantly tied to a bed there, according to their family.
The German government is in close contact with Maja's family, with the Foreign Office expressing concern about Maja's health. The German embassy in Budapest has been able to speak with Maja, and this conversation took place in a hospital. Despite widespread support from German politicians, particularly from the Green Party and the Left Party, the German government has not yet taken decisive action to secure Maja's return.
Maja was accused by Hungarian authorities of participating in an attack on right-wing extremists in Budapest in February 2023, along with other anti-fascist activists. Maja is currently on trial in Hungary for these allegations. They are protesting against their detention conditions by going on a hunger strike, demanding better detention conditions and repatriation to Germany.
The situation has garnered international attention and support, with over 100,000 people signing a petition for Maja's return to Germany. Solidarity actions have been organized across Europe, including Greece, to support Maja's struggle. Falko Droßmann, the queer political spokesperson of the SPD faction, has urged Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to intervene in Maja's case, while the SPD in the Bundestag is also calling for his intervention.
Martin Schirdewan, leader of the Left Party in the European Parliament, has called for immediate government intervention to prioritize Maja's return. However, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has not publicly commented on the case. The court later issued an interim order prohibiting Maja's extradition, but this did not prevent Maja from being sent to Hungary.
The situation is concerning, with Hungarian doctors threatening forced feeding, despite Maja's refusal in a patient's decree. Maja's plight serves as a stark reminder of the need for international cooperation in ensuring the rights and wellbeing of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or gender identity.
- The German government's Foreign Office has been expressing concern about the community policy surrounding Maja's health and well-being, given the deterioration of Maja's health due to a prolonged hunger strike, and the potential for a pacemaker implantation.
- Policies such as science, health-and-wellness, and employment might play a significant role in Maja's case, as the German embassy has spoken with Maja in a hospital setting, and Maja could be transferred to a civilian hospital, but under strict bed-tying restrictions.
- In the realm of politics and general-news, support for Maja's repatriation to Germanyhas been widespread, with over 100,000 signatures on a petition and solidarity actions across Europe, including Greece. Internationally, the situation underscores the need for crime-and-justice policies that prioritize individual rights and well-being, regardless of nationality or gender identity.
