Inside Europe Epstein, the British lord and the Norwegian princess
Feb 5, 2026
Levi Bridges, DW reporter on religion in Russia; Brendan O'Shea, arts journalist covering Daughters of Donbas; Lars Bavanger, Norwegian DW correspondent on Arctic geopolitics. They discuss Epstein files and political fallout across Europe. They examine rising Islamophobia and the Orthodox Church's influence in Russia. They explore Arctic security, indigenous voices, and a music project giving voice to children taken from Ukraine.
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Extradition Ruled Illegal Over Rights Risks
- The German constitutional court ruled Maite's extradition to Hungary illegal because Berlin failed to assess risks to fundamental rights rigorously.
- Concerns included prison conditions and safety for non-binary detainees, undermining trust in cross-border judicial cooperation.
Prison Interview Reveals Degrading Treatment
- Laura Saplonsayi's prison interview reports Maite had very limited human contact and went on hunger strike over conditions.
- Maite said they were forced to strip naked frequently, a practice later reduced to twice a week.
Political Labeling Affects Legal Fairness
- Hungary classified Antifa as a terrorist organisation, complicating political and judicial framing of anti-fascist actions.
- That classification feeds supporters' claims Maite cannot expect an unbiased trial in Hungary's politicised environment.