Following his arrest in France, anti-fascist activist Gino has been released from custody. He faces extradition requests from both Hungary and now also Germany. A further court hearing is scheduled for late January.
Anti-fascist activist Gino, who had been held in extradition custody in France, has now been released. The Paris Court of Appeal has set a further hearing for 28 January, at which a decision will be made on how to proceed with the case and whether to extradite him to Germany.
Rexhino Abazaj, known as “Gino”, holds Albanian citizenship. He was arrested in Paris last week on the basis of a German arrest warrant and taken to Fresnes prison. Previously, he had been based first in Italy and later in Finland. There he had already been arrested under a European arrest warrant issued by Hungary. Following his temporary release under conditions, he fled to France in the face of imminent extradition.
Gino is wanted in connection with the so-called “Budapest case” on suspicion of involvement in attacks on neo-Nazis in the Hungarian capital in February 2023. The Hungarian authorities accuse him of taking part in violent assaults during the so-called “Day of Honour”. The annual event brings together far-right groups from several European countries in the Hungarian capital.
German investigating authorities are also pursuing proceedings in connection with this case in what they call the “Antifa Ost” investigation, accusing Gino of membership of a criminal organisation, among other charges.
In Hungary, he faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted – proceedings there against Maja T. from Germany are due to conclude on 22 January, with a possible prison sentence of up to 24 years for grievous bodily harm committed jointly.
French courts had already dealt with the case in earlier proceedings. At that time, however, they decided not to extradite Gino to Hungary. In their reasoning, the judges cited possible violations of the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly with regard to prison conditions in Hungarian jails and the lack of guarantees of a fair trial.
Following his flight from Finland, Gino was arrested in France by anti-terror police in November 2024 and likewise taken to Fresnes prison in Paris. In spring 2025, he was released into house arrest pending a negative decision on the Hungarian request.
His release from custody has now taken place subject to conditions. The authorities did not provide further details of these conditions. Gino must remain in France until the next hearing.
Image: German investigating authorities accuse Gino of membership of a criminal organisation, among other charges (private).
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