Belgian MEP implicated in EU Parliament corruption scandal breaks silence following release
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Loading... - Marie Manon
- 11 May 2023
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Marc Tarabella, a Belgian politician, who is one of the MEPs embroiled in the European Parliament's cash-for-influence scandal, has lamented his unfortunate circumstances and stated that he does not deserve the treatment he has received. During a press conference on Wednesday, Tarabella was in tears as he recounted the difficulties he has faced since his life as a European lawmaker crumbled.
Reporters were told by the socialist MEP that he sees his name plastered all over the media, his family's names tarnished, including that of his mother, wife, daughter, and son, who do not deserve such negative attention. In February, he was arrested and only recently released from prison, although he was subsequently placed under electronic surveillance, which has now been lifted. He now awaits trial.
Tarabella has seized the opportunity to share his version of events from the unexpected searches at his residence to his time behind bars, thanks to his present status. During the press conference, he recounted that a significant number of police officers, accompanied by the judge and Roberta Metsola, his (European Parliament) President, arrived at his home to conduct a search. He was in shock when he heard the news.
He expressed his shock and disbelief that the policemen were looking for money, which he claims he doesn't understand. He has nothing to reproach himself for, he argues. He questioned why he found himself in the company of so many policemen, a judge, and the President of the Parliament and his officers. His wife and son were also taken aback by the event.
He further disclosed that he felt betrayed by his friend, Pier-Antonio Panzeri, the accused former MEP, who decided to cooperate with the police. Tarabella accused Panzeri of throwing his name out to avoid being implicated as the head of a criminal organization, which he would later admit to being. Tarabella bemoaned the fact that he spent several months in prison, which was not easy for a guilty person, let alone an innocent one.
According to Maxim Töller, his lawyer, the Belgian MEP is expected to respond to any calls from the police, remain within the territory with prior agreement, and avoid contacting any other individuals who have been charged in the case. All six accused individuals have been released from jail and are now awaiting trial.
