The European Parliament is considering whether it is possible to waive the parliamentary immunity of two MEPs. For this reason, at the request of the Belgian judiciary, an emergency procedure was initiated following the corruption scandal that came to light last month. If the immunity is waived, the way is clear for the two people to be followed legally.
«It concerns a Belgian and an Italian, Marc Tarabella and Andrea Cozzolino. «Both are members of the Social Democratic group, their names are on the street. They would have received money from Qatar and perhaps Morocco and Mauritania to express themselves positively on these countries,’ says Europe journalist Stefan de Vries.
The investigation into the fraud in parliament has been ongoing since the summer and raids were carried out in several locations last December. Found one and a half million euros in cash. “That money was allegedly distributed by former Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri to various organizations and MEPs to influence a vote on these countries.”
In addition to the arrested vice-president of the European Parliament, the Greek social democrat Eva Kaili, several people have been jailed over the corruption scandal. “Because Kaili was caught in the act, she doesn’t have parliamentary immunity. A large sum of money was found in her house.’
If the two MEPs have to waive their immunity, the normal procedure applies to them as to other suspects in a court case. “They had already been suspended from their group, but without immunity they are ordinary citizens and this makes it easier for the judiciary to prosecute them.”
A decision will be made in February
The official procedure for parliamentary immunity will start on 16 January. “The suspects can then make a statement, after which the Legal Affairs Committee makes a recommendation.” The European Parliament will therefore be able to vote on the council on 13 February, not before.
Source: BNR
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