EU Parliament lifts MEPs’ immunity

BRUSSELS: The European Parliament yesterday lifted the immunity of two MPs targeted in a Belgian probe into suspected bribery linked to Qatar and Morocco.

The vote stripping Belgian MEP Marc Tarabella and Italian MEP Andrea Cozzolino of their protection from prosecution followed a demand by Belgian authorities, who have four people in custody.

The Belgian probe saw police raid European Parliament MEPs, ex-MEPs and parliamentary aides that turned up €1.5 million. Belgium suspects them of involvement in a bribery scheme in which Qatar and Morocco allegedly funnelled money through NGOs to influence decisions by the European Parliament. |