Two suspects charged in the probe into alleged bribery by Qatar and Morocco at the European Parliament have been released from house arrest, Belgian prosecutors said on Tuesday.
Belgian MEP Marc Tarabella and Italian parliamentary aide Francesco Giorgi will have electronic bracelets removed and be allowed to leave their residences, the authorities said.
Greek MEP Eva Kaili, who is Giorgi’s partner, remains under house arrest after being released from prison last month.
Both countries deny any involvement in wrongdoing, as do Kaili and Tarabella.
But they remain under formal arrest and will be subject to continued judicial supervision, a spokesman for the prosecutors said.
The “Qatargate” scandal erupted in December when Belgian investigators swooped on addresses in Brussels, arresting four suspects and netting over 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million) in cash.
The probe focuses on alleged efforts by Qatar and Morocco to buy influence at the European Parliament by paying off lawmakers.
The scandal rocked the EU’s institutions and forced the parliament to hastily introduce reforms aimed at curbing outside influence.
Source: AFP
