The candidacy of Ilaria Salis is not only aimed at resolving her personal situation but also at contributing to shaping a Europe where fundamental rights cannot be erased and to fight for the rule of law. This was explained by Nicola Fratoianni during a press conference held with Angelo Bonelli and Roberto Salis, the father of the Italian woman detained in Hungary. Roberto Salis expressed his appreciation for the gesture made by the Green-Left Alliance, highlighting the importance of allowing individuals to freely express their ideas. He detailed the harsh conditions his daughter is facing in detention, emphasizing the need for attention to be brought to her situation and to similar injustices happening in Europe, particularly in Hungary.
Bonelli added that for the Green-Left Alliance, this is a battle for the rule of law against the barbarity that is taking place in Hungary, where there is a systematic violation of human rights and the rule of law. The politicization of Ilaria Salis’ case is not the fault of Roberto Salis but of the Hungarian government, with Prime Minister Orban at the forefront. Fratoianni stated that their choice to support Ilaria Salis’ candidacy for the European Parliament is a concrete action aimed not only at closing her personal case but also at helping to create a Europe where fundamental rights cannot be ignored. The issues in Hungary are a concern for the core values of Europe, and action is necessary to address them effectively.
In a letter read during the press conference, Ilaria Salis expressed her gratitude for the support she has received in Italy and her pride in the country’s mobilization in response to her situation. She clarified that her intention is not to evade the legal proceedings she is facing but to defend herself while upholding fundamental rights, principles of proportionality, and the presumption of innocence. Salis acknowledged that her case is not unique or exceptional and that similar injustices are widespread across European countries. Therefore, after much reflection, she decided to accept the candidacy for the European elections to draw attention not only to her own plight but also to that of others in similar circumstances and to turn her unfortunate situation into something constructive for the protection of fundamental rights.
Overall, the candidacy of Ilaria Salis represents a broader movement towards defending human rights, the rule of law, and democratic values in Europe. It serves to shed light on the injustices faced by individuals like Salis in various countries and to advocate for greater respect for fundamental rights across the continent. The support received from political figures such as Fratoianni and Bonelli, as well as the mobilization of the Italian public, highlights the significance of this initiative and the determination to fight against violations of human rights and democratic principles. Through her candidacy, Salis aims to create a positive impact not only for herself but for all those who are unjustly detained or facing similar challenges in Europe.
