The European Parliament Thursday stripped two further European lawmakers of their immunity from prosecution. Belgian authorities could now query the lawmakers of their investigation right into a cash-for-influence bribery scandal linked to Qatar and Morocco.
Belgian MEP Marc Tarabella and Italian MEP Andrea Cozzolino be a part of 4 different suspects who authorities have tied to accusations that Qatar and Morocco sought to bribe European Parliament members with a purpose to affect EU resolution making. Each males deny the accusations towards them. Tarabella acknowledged: “I’m completely happy my parliamentary immunity has been lifted. I remind you that I’m harmless on this affair.”
Tens of millions of euros have already been recovered by investigators, and former lawmaker Pier Antonio Panzeri lately struck a plea deal during which he acknowledged “having participated in acts of corruption” and “being the chief or one of many leaders of the legal group.”
The bribery scandal, which additionally implicated former Vice President of the European Parliament Eva Kaili, has led to anti-corruption reforms in Europe. In a latest assertion, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola reaffirmed that “residents rightly demand accountability and integrity” and promised quick motion to revive residents’ religion within the European Parliament.
