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Maria WittnerHungarian social activist and political figure
Date of Birth: 09.06.1937
Country:  Hungary |
Content:
- Magyar Activist and Politician
- The Hungarian Revolution: Activism and Persecution
- Trial, Conviction, and Imprisonment
- Post-Release Life and Political Activism
- Controversies and Criticisms
- Recognition and Legacy
Magyar Activist and Politician
Maria Wittner:Early Life and Struggle
Maria Wittner was born into an impoverished family in Budapest, Hungary. Her father's identity remained unknown, and at the age of two, her mother placed her in the care of a Carmelite monastery. After nine years, she returned home, but her mother sent her to an orphanage. Forced to leave school prematurely, she worked as a typist and stenographer in Szolnok.
The Hungarian Revolution: Activism and Persecution
In 1955, Wittner returned to Budapest. She gave birth to a son out of wedlock and earned a precarious living. On October 23, 1956, she enthusiastically supported the anti-communist Hungarian Revolution. She participated in the storming of the Radio House and the defense of the "Corvin Passage." On November 4, she was wounded in fighting against Soviet forces. Despite her injuries, Wittner attempted to flee the country, but was captured. She managed to escape and return home, where she continued to resist until her eventual arrest in July 1957.
Trial, Conviction, and Imprisonment
Wittner was tried with eight others for alleged murders committed during the revolution. During harsh interrogations, she displayed defiance. In July 1958, the defendants were sentenced to death. However, on appeal, Wittner's sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. She served 11 years in prison and was released in March 1970.
Post-Release Life and Political Activism
After the collapse of communism, Wittner became a prominent public figure. She helped establish veterans organizations for the Hungarian Revolution and advocated for the allocation of housing to its participants. In 1993, she joined the Fidesz party, representing its liberal conservative wing. She was elected to the Hungarian National Assembly in 2006 and 2010, serving on parliamentary committees related to labor and human rights.
Controversies and Criticisms
Wittner's outspoken anti-communism and criticism of "red capitalists" in post-communist Hungary generated controversy. She particularly denounced Gyula Horn, a former communist leader and prime minister. Socialist opponents accused her of involvement in lynchings during the revolution, but no conclusive evidence was presented.
Recognition and Legacy
In 1991, Wittner was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic. She was depicted in the 2007 Hungarian film "Héher, vigyázz!" ("Hangman, Beware!"), which captured her experience during the revolution and the years that followed. Despite her humble financial circumstances, Wittner's unwavering spirit and political activism left a lasting mark on Hungarian society.
