Court docket reverses determination to launch Qatargate suspect Figà-Talamanca pending trial – POLITICO

A Belgian court docket reversed a call to launch Niccolò Figà-Talamanca, one of many fundamental suspects within the ongoing Qatargate corruption probe, with an digital monitor, that means he’ll stay detained pending trial.

The federal prosecutor’s workplace mentioned Tuesday it received its attraction on the indictment chamber difficult a December 14 determination to grant Figà-Talamanca monitored launch. Neither the prosecutor’s workplace nor Figà-Talamanca’s attorneys have responded to a request for touch upon why his launch was overturned.

Figà-Talamanca is considered one of 4 folks to be arrested in Brussels on expenses associated to the so-called Qatargate scandal that has rocked the European capital with allegations centered on whether or not Qatar and Morocco purchased affect within the European Parliament. Figà-Talamanca is secretary-general of one of many NGOs linked to the scandal, No Peace With out Justice, which works on rule of legislation and human rights points.

Final Thursday, a Belgian court docket additionally denied a request by former European Parliament Vice President Eva Kaili to be launched with an digital monitor, extending her detention interval by one month. Kaili determined to not attraction that ruling, spending Christmas within the jail of Haren.

One other suspect within the ongoing probe, former Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, additionally appeared earlier than the indictment chamber Tuesday, however one other listening to on his case was postponed till January 17.