A segment of the German political class has publicly expressed support for a young far-left radical accused of traveling to Hungary to assault citizens for ideological reasons. The individual in question is Simeon T., 24 years old, currently in pre-trial detention in Budapest, where he faces charges of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, and membership in a criminal organization.
T. is identified as a member of the so-called Hammerbande (Hammer Gang), an extremist group known for attacking people they label as ‘right-wing’ or ‘fascist.’ In February 2023, he allegedly took part in coordinated assaults in Budapest, during which the victims were beaten with hammers and batons—even while lying immobilized on the ground. According to the Hungarian prosecutor’s office, the attacks were premeditated and aimed at intimidation through political violence.
Despite this background, three German MPs—Sebastian Roloff (SPD), Helge Limburg (Greens), and Luke Hoß (Die Linke)—traveled to the Hungarian capital this week to visit T. in the prison hospital where he is being held. In statements to the press, the parliamentarians expressed “concern” for the accused’s health condition. The accused now identifies as ‘Maja T.’ and claims to be “non-binary.”
The case has sparked intense debate in Germany. The left-wing MPs have not only called for T. to be transferred to Germany to stand trial but have also publicly criticized the conditions of his imprisonment in Hungary. According to their account, the fact that T. is being held in a single-person cell constitutes a form of “solitary confinement.” Accusations of “torture” have also been made by other German politicians in previous months, including former Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt (Greens), although without providing documented evidence.
T. was arrested in Berlin in December 2023 and extradited to Hungary in June 2024. The judicial process began in February of this year. In parallel, the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office is also investigating him for other violent acts committed on German soil.
Members of the SPD, Greens, and Die Linke have defended the accused centered on his newly declared gender identity. Since presenting himself as ‘Maja’ and claiming to be ‘non-binary,’ the political discourse around the case has shifted to focus on his ‘vulnerability’ and alleged status as a victim of the Hungarian judicial system. However, authorities in the Central European country have rejected any external interference and reiterated that the legal process will proceed following national law.
The position of the German government has been ambiguous. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) has requested “improved” prison conditions for T. and advocated for his repatriation. Budapest has refused these demands, pointing out that the crimes he is accused of were committed on Hungarian territory. If found guilty, T. could face up to 24 years in prison.
The case of Simeon T. has reignited debate over the political use of gender identity in legal proceedings, as well as institutional support for individuals accused of political violence. While segments of the Left seek to portray him as a symbol of judicial repression, the victims of the attacks have received little attention in the public discourse.
