Important judicial developments for Qatargate, the corruption scandal in the European Parliament, are expected in January.
They will also concern Eva Kaili, who is in pre-trial detention, accused like other high-ranking officials of bribery by the Qatari authorities. According to Brussels lawyer, Nikos Korogiannakis, the investigation by the Belgian authorities is progressing normally, and there will be new investigative procedures. Most likely – he noted – there are applications to lift the immunity of active MEPs.
There will be important judicial developments – What will happen to Kaili
As he explained, temporary detention in Belgium is valid for one month. This means that there must be a new meeting of the Judicial Council by January 22, and since January 22 is a Sunday, two or three days before that date there will be a review of the request, which is done ex officio.
“There is no need for an application by Eva Kaili and the others,” said Mr. Korogiannakis.
“The investigation is progressing normally. Mrs. Kaili was examined a second time. There will be new investigative procedures. In the meantime, the investigator is waiting for the extradition of the two arrested in Italy. There are probably requests to waive the immunity of sitting MEPs. There are three names that are circulating in the newspapers”, he emphasized, speaking to Greek state briadcaster ERT and continued:
“The European Parliament should do its internal procedure in January. Those who accept the lifting of their immunity, there is a possibility to complete the process in the January plenary session of the European Parliament. So there will be judicial developments in January, which will be important.”
Investigation into leaks
Regarding the leaks in the case, Mr. Korogiannakis emphasized, according to ertnews: “The federal prosecutor has started an investigation into the leak that has happened so far. My sense is that part of the leak is coming from Italy, where there are some defendants and lawyers.
“Let’s not forget that already from the third day of pre-trial detention there is access to the file by the lawyers of all those involved and the photos that have seen the light of day are obviously part of the file that has been leaked”.
Latest News
JP Morgan Remains ‘Bullish’ on Greek Banks
JP Morgan reiterated its analysis of DTCs, prompted by Piraeus Bank’s plan to accelerate their amortization
Source of Wealth Declarations for Greek Public Officials Made Easier
Source of wealth declarations are designed to improve transparency and prevent corruption among Greece's public officials. Yet 98% of Greeks still believe corruption is widespread in the country, according to Eurobarometer.
Greece’s Labor Market Slack Among Highest in EU
Greece ranks 4th in EU for labor market slack, mostly due to high unemployment levels, and has widest gender gap in the EU.
Livestock Crisis Threatens Greek Feta
Feta in particular, is Greece’s primary dairy export, with 65% of production going abroad.
Moldova’s Sandu Wins Second Term amid Meddling Claims
According to the Central Election Commission, with 98% of votes counted, Maia Sandu led with 54.35% to Alexandr Stoianoglo’s 45.65%
Attica Wins ‘Best Greek Hospitality Region’ at 2024 Awards
The Greek Hospitality Awards, now in their tenth year, are one of the premier tourism industry events at the European level
Greece Takes Command of EU’s Operation ASPIDES in Red Sea
The defense minister also visited the Greek frigate Spetsai, which is participating in Operation ASPIDES, while in the port of Djibouti
Brain Gain: Returning Greeks Drive Innovation and Growth in IT and Key Sectors
The profile of the returnees to Greece reveals that 67.6% have families, and 52% have children
New Regulations Target Airbnb Rentals in Greece with Safety and Quality Standard
Additionally, a new ranking system for tourist accommodations based on sustainability criteria is expected to be introduced
Piraeus Port Authority: Net Profits Exceed 70mln€ in Jan-Sep 2024
All indices rise in third quarter of 2024 compared to corresponding period of 2023