Kaili’s lawyers have argued for an ankle bracelet, with which Kaili can await her trial in relative freedom, but the chances of success don’t seem very great according to European journalist Stefan de Vries, and that has everything to do with the confession of co-defendant Pier Antonio Panzeri. “He is a co-defendant and has negotiated with the Belgian judiciary that he will receive a reduced sentence if he confesses everything and cooperates fully with the investigation.”
For Panzeri, the maximum prison sentence in that case is five years, four of which with probation. ‘And this is bad news for Kaili, because if Panzeri confesses everything, it will be less interesting for the Belgian judiciary to make a pact with her too. She then may have to pay for it, while the alleged mastermind behind the fraud will probably come out better.’
Damaged socialists
According to De Vries, the corruption scandal not only harms Kaili, but also the social democratic group in Europe, which is the second largest group in the European Parliament. “It is above all the Italian and Walloon members of the group – which also includes the Dutch PvdA – who are outraged,” he continues. ‘Obviously this is bad news for that group’s image, but also for the European Parliament. They are really at a loss with this scandal and have promised the judiciary to cooperate fully.’
They have also said they want to clean up their own homes, but the real rules for achieving greater transparency are being held back by many MEPs.’