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Corruption-probe MEP to stay in prison

Eva Kaili, the Greek MEP at the centre of a corruption scandal engulfing the European Parliament, has been ordered to remain in prison for at least two more months, according to a report on European news network Euronews.

The MEP has been in pre-trial detention since 9 December, when she was arrested by Belgian police.

Her parliamentary immunity was lifted on the spot, and she was later charged with participation in a criminal organisation, corruption, and money-laundering. More than €150,000 in cash was found in her Brussels residence.

Appeal planned

According to Euronews, the decision to extend Kaili's detention was taken by a Belgian judge after a hearing in Brussels on Thursday (16 February), during which her lawyers denounced her continued separation from her 23-month-old daughter, and asked for her release with an electronic bracelet.

Her defence team continues to insist on her innocence, and plans to appeal the decision.

Kaili's domestic partner, and father of her daughter, Francesco Giorgi, also remains in prison, accused of the same offences.

Belgian MEP Marc Tarabella, former MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, and NGO director Niccolò Figà-Talamanca were also arrested and charged, though Figà-Talamanca has since been released, with no conditions attached.

Another MEP, Andrea Cozzolino, was arrested last week in Naples, and Belgian authorities have requested his extradition from Italy.

‘Cash-for-favours’ allegations

The investigation is focused on an alleged cash-for-favours scheme that involved “large” sums of money and “substantial” gifts paid by Qatar and Morocco to influence decision-making inside the European Parliament.

Qatar and Morocco have vigorously denied the claims, calling them unfounded.

Euronews says that the arrest of Kaili, a high-profile MEP previously associated with the socialist group, unleashed a political storm in Brussels, and triggered a fast-tracked process to remove her as one of the 14 vice-presidents of the European Parliament.

She still retains her title and salary as MEP.