The investigation into the alleged bribes paid by Qatar to MEPs or personalities linked to the EU to influence the decisions of the European Parliament continues.

Today the four arrested by the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office - Eva Kaili, Antonio Panzeri, Francesco Giorgi and Nicolò Figà-Talamanca - were heard by the investigators.

At the end of the hearing, the judges decided that Panzeri and Giorgi, former MEP and consultant respectively, as well as Kaili's companion, must remain in prison for at least a month .

For Nicolò Figà-Talamanca, however , the electronic surveillance regime was established.

As for the former vice-president ( removed after the start of the investigation ) of the EU parliament Eva Kaili, the decision was postponed, at the request of the Greek MEP herself, to 22 December next. In a month the four will have to appear again in court.

In the meantime, the investigation could expand: one of the hypotheses on which the Belgian magistrates are in fact working is that there may be MEPs "on the payroll" of Qatar , paid, according to the indictment system, to favor the emirate.

In light of what is emerging, the European Parliament has asked to "suspend all work on the legislative files relating to Qatar , in particular as regards visa liberalization and all scheduled visits, until the allegations have been confirmed or rejected".

The text, drawn up by the main political groups of the Eurochamber, will go to the vote tomorrow at the Strasbourg plenary.

(Unioneonline/lf)

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