The European Parliament in Strasbourg backed the anti-fascist activist – who has become a high-profile foe of Hungary's nationalist government – by 306 votes to 305 in a secret ballot.
"This vote is a victory for democracy, rule of law, and antifascism," Salis said in a statement.
Salis, 41, was arrested with other activists in Budapest in February 2023 while taking part in a protest against an annual commemoration by neo-Nazis.
She was charged with three counts of attempted assault and accused of being part of an extreme left-wing criminal organisation.
Salis denied the charges, claiming that she was being persecuted for her political beliefs.
She was released from detention after more than a year, following her election to the EU parliament with the small Greens and Left Alliance (AVS).
Hungarian prosecutors had requested an 11-year prison sentence, and the case made international headlines when Salis appeared in a Budapest court with her feet shackled.
Salis has requested to be tried in Italy.
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