Member of the European Parliament Eva Kaili, accused of accepting bribes from Qatar, has been ordered to remain in custody as investigations continue into one of the European Union’s biggest ever corruption scandals.
Kaili was one of four suspects arrested earlier this month in Belgium, and prosecutors have charged her, along with her partner, Francesco Giorgi, an adviser at the European Parliament with whom she has a 2-year-old daughter, with taking part in a criminal organisation, money laundering and corruption.
The two are suspected of working with the head of an NGO as well as with a former MEP, turned lobbyist, Antonio Panzeri who, according to arrest warrants, “is suspected of intervening politically with members working at the European Parliament for the benefit of Qatar and Morocco, against payment”.
Kaili, a former television news presenter, has denied any wrongdoing and previously stated through her lawyer that she is innocent.
Her Belgian lawyer, Andre Risopoulos, told reporters on Thursday that Kaili was cooperating fully with investigators and would not appeal the decision to keep her in custody, even if he had requested she be released under surveillance with an electronic tracking device.
Her Greek family lawyer, Michalis Dimitrakopoulos told Greek Mega TV that the court’s decision was probably meant to set an example for other lawmakers that corruption will not be tolerated.
A Belgian judge authorised Kaili’s arrest and detention on grounds she was allegedly caught red-handed with cash, meaning she could not invoke her parliamentary immunity.
During the raids that lead to the arrests and charges, Belgian investigators found 150,000 euros in cash in Kaili’s home. Her Greek lawyer, Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, said Kaili was unaware of its existence.
Image: European Parliament
