The plenary of the European Parliament approves the investigation against Andrea Cozzolino and the Belgian Marc Tarabella, who deny their participation in the plot
The plenary of the European Parliament on Thursday approved the suspension of the immunity of two MEPs under investigation for the ‘Qatargate’ plot. Italian Andrea Cozzolino and Belgian Marc Tarabella have been questioned by Belgian justice over their alleged relationship to the corruption scandal linked to Qatar and Morocco. The two are suspected of participation in a criminal organization, corruption and money laundering.
The process to lift their immunity has been treated “with urgency” due to the seriousness of the events and possible implications within the European Parliament. The scandal affected European Parliament Vice President Eva Kaili; her husband, former parliamentary adviser Francesco Giorgi; a former MEP, Pier Antonio Panzeri; and the director of the NGO ‘No peace without justice’ Niccolo Figa-Talamanca. In addition, the Belgian judiciary is investigating MEPs Cozzolino and Tarabella.
Both have so far denied their involvement in ‘Qatargate’. “I have never received any money, neither directly nor indirectly, neither in cash nor through financial transactions, neither for me nor for any association, foundation…”, Andrea Cozzolino defended himself before the Legal Affairs Committee of the European Parliament. He was even willing to waive his immunity to defend his innocence.
Pending possible revelations from the “mastermind” of the plot, Pier Antonio Panzeri – who has signed a cooperation agreement with the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office – has already revealed to Panzeri that he paid “between 120,000 and 140,000 euros” to Tarabella.
Source: La Verdad
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