Two main suspects in a high-profile European Parliament graft investigation are to remain in pretrial detention for at least several weeks, Belgian prosecutors said on Tuesday.
At a custody hearing before the Indictment Chamber of the Brussels Court of Justice, former Italian member of the European Parliament (MEP) Pier Antonio Panzeri, 67, asked to postpone his appeal against detention until at least Jan. 17, a statement said.
Another defendant, Niccolo Figa-Talamanca, had initially been expected to be released under electronic surveillance, but the court decided to prolong his pretrial detention.
Photo: AFP / European Parliament
“It will be for a month,” his lawyer Barbara Huylebroek told reporters, expressing disappointment with the decision.
They have been charged with “criminal organization, corruption and money laundering” related to an alleged attempt by Gulf monarchy Qatar to influence EU policy.
Qatar denies any wrongdoing.
Two more defendants — senior Greek MEP Eva Kaili, 44, and her Italian partner, Francesco Giorgi, a parliamentary aide — have also been charged and remanded in custody.
All four were arrested earlier this month as Belgian police conducted about 20 searches of homes and offices of MEPs, lobbyists and parliamentary staff.
At least 1.5 million euros (US$1.6 million) in cash was seized in the raids, which triggered a scandal that sent shock waves through EU circles in Brussels.
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