Qatar reiterates its government not involved in EU corruption investigation

The Qatari government has reiterated its denial of the allegations that the Gulf State is involved in an ongoing investigation by authorities in Belgium linked to the European Parliament. This follows the charges pressed by authorities on four people who have allegedly accepted bribes from Qatar to influence decisions.

A diplomat from Qatar’s mission to the European Union issued a statement Sunday reiterating that the Qatari government did not bribe the four individuals linked to the EU parliament to influence decision-making. The diplomat’s comment followed the decision by the EU parliament to vote on Thursday last week to suspend all legislation related to Qatar, barring Qatari representatives from its premises.

The diplomat said such a decision was based on “preconceived prejudices.” The Qatari government has previously denied any involvement or wrongdoing.

“The decision to impose such a discriminatory restriction…will negatively affect regional and global security cooperation, as well as ongoing discussions around global energy poverty and security,” said the statement, adding that the Qatari government has been targeted and attacked in the ongoing probe and that it was disappointed that the Belgian government has not made any effort to engage with Doha to make clear the facts.

The suspension would affect legislation linked to its visa liberalization, the EU-Qatar aviation agreement, and planned visits until the allegations are confirmed or dismissed. The Belgian Justice ministry said Wednesday last week that its intelligence service was closely working with other European countries to uncover the graft scandal.

Tuesday last week, the European Parliament dismissed Greek lawmaker Eva Kaili as one of the chamber’s vice presidents following confirmation that Kaili was one of the four implicated in the probe of the alleged bribery. Kaili and three other individuals were charged by the Belgian authorities with corruption, money laundering, and participation in a criminal organization.

Kaili has also denied any wrongdoing. The Greek lawmaker was arrested by authorities Friday last week, after her house in Brussels was searched as part of a series of raids on the homes and offices of several members of the EU parliament. According to investigations, over $1.5 million was found in the raids.