Eva Kaili lawyer claims her innocence in Qatargate corruption scandal

The lawyer of MEP Eva Kaili on Wednesday claimed her innocence within the so-called Qatargate corruption case that has shaken the European Parliament.

Michalis Dimitrakopoulos spoke to Euronews after assembly the previous parliament vice-president for greater than 4 hours within the Belgian jail the place she’s been detained since her arrest, to arrange for a pre-trial listening to on Thursday.

“The prison process is secret. For this I am unable to say a lot, however the one factor I can say is that Eva Kaili is harmless,” Dimitrakopoulos stated.

Kaili, he added, feels betrayed by her associate, Francesco Giorgi, who has additionally been arrested in relation to the scandal.

“She feels betrayed by her associate. She trusted him and he betrayed her,” Dimitrakopoulos stated.

Kaili and her associate are each accused of corruption, cash laundering and participation in a prison organisation to foyer in favour of nations, alleged to be Qatar and Morrocco.

The choose should resolve if she is going to stay in jail or if she shall be freed with restrictions till a attainable trial begins. 

Final week, a Brussel court docket confirmed the pre-trial detention of Giorgi and former Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, whereas Niccolò Figà-Talamanca, secretary-general of No Peace With out Justice, “stays in custody however below the phrases of the digital bracelet.”

Dimitrakopoulos instructed Euronews that “we have now sturdy authorized arguments for her launch.” 

“We’ll combat as a result of I consider that Ms. Kali is neither a flight danger, neither is there any approach she will destroy proof.”

In accordance with Belgian newspaper Le Soir, Kaili has partially recognised her involvement within the scandal, since she admits asking her father to assist disguise the cash.

The lawyer denies the validity of this data.