Former MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri has been released. A court in Brussels has decided to release the Italian who is under house arrest with ankle bracelets. Panzeri is regarded as the mastermind behind the corruption scandal in the EU parliament.
He had been detained in Saint-Gilles prison in Brussels since December 9. The investigation into the so-called Katargate is still ongoing. The bribery scandal surrounding the alleged influence on EU parliament decisions by the governments of Qatar and Morocco came to light at the end of last year. The accused politicians would have received favors for making decisions in favor of the two countries.
One year in prison
Panzeri, who has now been released, is believed to be the mastermind. He and others involved are suspected of corruption, money laundering and membership of a criminal organization. The former Social Democratic MP reportedly expressed remorse in January and negotiated a one-year prison sentence with the court. So he is only temporarily free. The penalty will take effect after the end of the probationary period.
Until then, he would be under house arrest and required to have his feet chained in his Brussels apartment.
Source: Krone
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