The election defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has raised hopes for improved conditions for a German activist imprisoned in Hungary.

Maja T, who is serving an eight-year prison sentence, said in a message to German newspaper taz, published Monday, that the election result could give “civil society and the population room to breathe.”

Election winner, Peter Magyar, has pledged to restore the rule of law, which critics say was weakened during Orbán’s 16 years in power, and to rebuild ties with the European Union.

Maja T, who identifies as non-binary, was convicted in February.

Judge Jozsef Sos found the activist had taken part in attacks on individuals suspected of far-right affiliations.

Their lawyer, Sven Richwin, said the political shift in Hungary could influence the broader context of the case.

“Even if rule-of-law reforms take time, Maja can no longer be used as an anti-European symbol by Orbán,” Mr Richwin told taz.

He also urged German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to resume talks with Hungary and accelerate efforts to transfer Maja T back to Germany.

Germany’s Foreign Ministry said the legal situation remains unchanged but confirmed it continues to address the case with Hungarian authorities at a high level.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has defended the February verdict, stating that Maja T was part of a left-wing extremist group responsible for violent attacks using batons, rubber hammers and other weapons.

(dpa/NAN)