Judge to decide on MEP’s detention in Qatar corruption scandal

Judge to decide on MEP’s detention in Qatar corruption scandal

Lawyers for Eva Kaili, the Greek MEP detained in connection with an alleged bribery scheme at the European parliament, have asked a Belgian judge to release her under electronic surveillance.

A decision on whether she should be released is expected to be made by the judge on Thursday after a private court hearing.

André Risopoulos, the MEP’s lawyer in Belgium, said Kaili was actively co-operating with the investigations. “She rejects any corruption allegations against her,” he added.

Kaili and three others have been charged with corruption, money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation for allegedly accepting cash, expensive holidays and other gifts to influence EU policy towards countries such as Qatar and Morocco, according to legal documents seen by the Financial Times.

The bribery investigation has shaken the Brussels establishment because it implicates legislators, non-governmental organisations and foreign powers, prompting soul-searching in the European parliament.The allegations emerged as Qatar basked in the world’s attention as the host of the football World Cup, a tournament that brought unprecedented scrutiny of the Gulf state’s treatment of migrant workers, ban on homosexuality and use of its wealth to bolster its role in the world.

MEPs passed a softer-than-expected resolution on human rights in Qatar ahead of this