BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The Italian anti-fascist activist held in Hungary for assaulting far-right militants should be granted a quick trial, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday, wading into a controversy that is souring relations between Rome and Budapest.
The case is politically sensitive due to the long-standing ties between Meloni and her Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban, who met in Brussels as part of a summit of European Union leaders.
"What I talked about with the Hungarian prime minister is ensuring that our compatriots are treated with dignity, respect, and (given) a fair trial, and I would also say a speedy one," Meloni told reporters.
Prosecutors are seeking an 11-year sentence for Salis, who is next due in court on May 24.
Meloni told reporters she hoped Salis could prove her innocence, and said that while in Italy prisoners are never put in chains and shackles, this was normal in Hungary.
Persons:
Giorgia Meloni, Ilaria Salis, Viktor Orban, Meloni, Salis, Prosecutors, Angelo Amante, Alvise Armellini, Angus MacSwan
Organizations:
Italian, Union
Locations:
BRUSSELS, Italian, Hungary, Rome, Budapest, Italy, Meloni, Brussels, Milan