Important developments in the corruption scandal in the European Parliament, Qatargate, in which Eva Kaili, who remains in custody, is involved, are expected after the new testimony of Antonio Panzeri, the alleged “mastermind” of the case of bribing officials, with funds from Qatar and Morocco.
Italian and Belgian prosecutors dealing with the case are meeting today in Milan. According to La Repubblica newspaper, it is likely to refer to the six bank accounts seized in Italy belonging to Antonio Panzeri, his daughter and wife, Francesco Giorgi and trade unionist Luca Vizentini.
Confiscated documents will be handed over
At the same time, during the meeting, the prosecutors are expected to delve into the activity of Antonio Panzeri’s tax expert, Monica Rossana Bellini, who was arrested last week and allegedly participated in the “laundering” of money from Qatar and Morocco.
According to state news agency AMNA, documents seized during the raids on Panzeri’s homes in Italy are also to be handed over, while it is possible to discuss whether the evidence so far justifies an independent investigation in Italy.
“Panzeri will say whatever they tell him about Kaili”
At the same time, speaking to ANT1 channel, the advocate of Eva Kaili, Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, spoke against Antonio Panzeri.
As the lawyer said, Mr. Panzeri “doesn’t care about the truth. All he cares about is saving himself and his family. He’ll say whatever he’s told to say about Ms. Kaili, but he won’t be able to prove it. He never mentioned Ms. Kaili by name, who denies every accusation against her by Mr. Panzeri.”
“Ms. Kaili cooperates with the Belgian authorities, she reports to the police station what she knows whenever they ask her, but she cannot plead guilty for something she is not guilty of,” said Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, saying that, as with Mr. Panzeri she was offered a plea bargain, so Ms. Kaili was “propositioned to plead guilty and was told that she would soon be home with her child. Then they subjected her to torture.”
“Panzeri, if asked to, will also involve the president of France”
Referring to the suspension of the extradition request to Belgium of Panzeri’s wife and daughter, Mr. Dimitrakopoulos said that “even if the President of the Republic of France were to be told that he was involved, he would do it to save his family and himself.
The crooks are out and the innocent are in. Even if they cut her into little pieces, she’s not going to admit to something she’s not guilty of. This is what Eva Kaili asked me to repeat in every conversation about her.”
Who Kaili called a toxic monster – What she said about relations with Russia
Regarding reports and publications about Eva Kaili’s relations and contacts with Russia, her lawyer said that “in the case file I have in my hands, there are no reports about relations with Russia”.
The attorney also wanted to clarify that Eva Kaili never called her partner a “toxic monster”, but that’s what she called the money she found hidden in her house.
Annoyed by the continued scathing comments, mainly on social media, about his accent in the French language, in which he makes statements in Brussels, Michalis Dimitrakopoulos said that the first time he referred to it with humor. But he continued, saying that “I speak in French because the public opinion in Belgium needs to be informed, which has literally become revolted over the torture of Eva Kaili that tomorrow may be carried out at the expense of another woman”.
Latest News
INSETE Report: Greece a Hotspot for European Vacationers
Greece among top five countries on travelers' itineraries from Germany, France and the UK
Study: Cost of Basic Food Basket in Greece and Other Countries
The findings are based on IELKA's regular report, which includes a price comparison study using data from price comparison platforms in each country and direct price checks from supermarket chains.
DBRS: Greece’s Economic Reforms Boost Growth Prospects, But Investment Gap Remains
However, despite these advancements, Greece still faces a substantial investment gap compared to its eurozone peers.
Greeks Took Out 65% Loans Online in 2023
Approximately 850-euro-million worth of loans in 2023 were issued via e-banking and mobile banking
Greece-Egypt “GREGY” Interconnector Moving Ahead as Planned
The GREGY project aims to bring an underwater cable from Egypt to Greece to transport electricity generated in Egypt, through renewable sources, to Europe
Greece: AADE Completes Major Overhaul of Attica Tax Services
Taxpayers in Attica will be served digitally through the "My Requests" application on the myAADE digital portal (myaade.gov.gr) or via the myAADEapp.
Cocktail of Dust and Heat Brings Stifling Sunday Weather
Meteorologists expect the conditions to persist until at least Wednesday
Greek Hotels Vindicated by Commission’s Ruling on Booking.com
The Commission has ruled that Booking is a "gatekeeper" and must comply with the Digital Marketing Act, addressing complaints by the European Hotel Industry and Hellenic Chamber of Hotels
Which Islands Will Have Italians Flocking to Greece this Summer?
Well-known Italian travel magazine details reasons why Skopelos, Naxos and Astypalaia are the go-to summer destinations for Italians
Antentokounmpo 5th Highest Paid Athlete in World
The basketball player rakes in 111 million dollars per year, between his salary at the Bucks and endorsements from big brands like Amazon, Nike and Pepsi