2023-10-24 15:00:26
The federal prosecutor currently in charge of the Qatargate case, relating to attempted corruption within the European Parliament, is being called upon to take on a new role within the judiciary. On October 20, the Superior Council of Justice (CSJ) in fact presented him for the position of labor auditor of Liège. After the investigating judge Michel Claise, this second magistrate familiar with this case should therefore be replaced.
Initially, judge Michel Claise, specializing in financial crime, was appointed by the federal prosecutor’s office to lead the investigation into the Qatargate case. But on June 19, he decided to step down due to a potential conflict of interest. Another investigating judge had to be appointed to succeed Judge Claise and take note of this vast file, in which numerous investigative tasks had already been carried out. Except that the prosecutor in question was presented by the CSJ, on October 20, to the vacant position of labor auditor in Liège.
Another magistrate should then take over the mission at short notice.
The Belgian federal prosecutor’s office has been investigating attempts by Qatar and Morocco to influence the economic and political decisions of the European Parliament through corruption for several months. The two countries allegedly tried to influence the decisions and resolutions of the European Parliament through former Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri and his non-profit organization Fight Impunity. Several people are charged, including the former vice-president of the European Parliament Eva Kaili, the Belgian MEP Marc Tarabella and the Italian MEP Andrea Cozzolino.
1698167305
#Qatargate #Michel #Claise #prosecutor #charge #case #replaced
