Greek EU parliament member in corruption probe protests innocence

A Greek member of the European Parliament has protested innocence against the allegations made against her in light of the ongoing corruption probe. EU lawmaker Eva Kaili also requested a Belgian court to be released from detention.

Kaili’s lawyer Andre Risopoulos said on Thursday that the lawmaker was cooperating with the Belgian authorities and was asking the court to be released from electronic surveillance. This comes as Kaili has turned into the face of the ongoing corruption case that rocked the European Parliament.

Kaili’s other attorney Michalis Dimitrakopoulos told reporters on Wednesday that the Greek lawmaker felt “betrayed” by her boyfriend, Francesco Giorgi, who is also alleged to be involved.

“Things are difficult, but we have very strong legal arguments to set her free,” said Dimitrakopoulos, adding that the lawmaker is “not a flight risk and not in a position to destroy evidence.”

This comes as Kaili has been alleged to be taking bribes from a Gulf country to influence decisions that are made in the EU parliament. In light of the scandal, Kaili was dismissed from her vice presidential position and from her party, the Greek socialist PASOK party. Kaili was arrested on December 9 by Belgian authorities following a search of houses and finding $1.6 million in cash.

Aside from Kaili and Giorgio, an Italian lobbyist and former EU parliament member, and another Italian – the head of an NGO that was alleged to be used to funnel money, were arrested and charged with “criminal organization, corruption, and money laundering.”

Prosecutors have long suspected that a Gulf State was trying to influence decisions in the EU through bribes. Qatar was being alleged as the country involved. The Qatari government has repeatedly denied the allegations, saying the claims are “baseless and gravely misinformed.”

“The state of Qatar works through institution-to-institution engagement and operates in full compliance with international laws and regulations,” a Qatari official said at the time.

Six people were initially detained regarding the probe, and two were later set free.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Monday last week that the news of the probe was “very worrisome” and that the ongoing probe did not involve anyone from Europe’s diplomatic service.