Qatargate: ‘No evidence’ against MEP Eva Kaili, her lawyer says

The Belgian decide investigating the so-called Qatargate corruption scandal has “no proof to substantiate the cost of bribery” towards Greek MEP Eva Kaili, her lawyer instructed Euronews on Tuesday, denouncing her detention in jail as “legally fallacious”.

Michalis Dimitrakopoulos stated throughout an interview with Euronews that “Choose [Michel] Claise stated he has no proof to substantiate the cost of bribery, however proof could also be discovered sooner or later.”

“This isn’t suitable with the rule of legislation, the European rule of legislation to maintain somebody in jail with the prospect of discovering proof sooner or later. It’s legally fallacious. I wish to consider that there is no such thing as a political affect on this determination,” he added. 

He additionally as soon as extra proclaimed Kaili’s innocence, arguing she known as the police as quickly as she was made conscious of her companion’s arrest.

“Τhis is a critical piece of proof that her first transfer was to speak to the police,” Kaili’s lawyer stated.

“This implies she was unaware that there was one thing unlawful in her home, in any other case she wouldn’t have known as the police. Nevertheless it wasn’t potential as a result of the police didn’t converse English after which all of the developments occurred.”

In keeping with Dimitrakopoulos, Kaili didn’t know in regards to the cash and solely learnt about it as soon as she noticed the information. She then determined to name shut colleagues of her companion – a few of whom are actually additionally accused of corruption – to do away with the cash that was finally present in her house and in a suitcase carried by her father.

Kaili’s lawyer additionally denies that she accepted bribes from Qatar and insists her political selections had been in step with European selections.

“The European Union wanted fuel, so Mrs. Kaili didn’t provide any service to Qatar in return for bribes. The primary and solely vote that Mrs. Kaili participated in involved the appropriate of Qatari residents to return to the EU visa-free, which handed with a majority of 70% versus 30%, so Mrs. Kaili’s vote was of no worth anyway,” Dimitrakopoulos stated.

Subsequent week, the Greek MEP might be again in court docket the place will probably be determined whether or not she’s going to stay in Belgium’s infamous Haren jail. 

The lawyer additionally stated that Kaili’s solely second of pleasure since she was arrested was when she lastly was allowed to see her two-year-old daughter whereas in jail.