Greek MEP Eva Kaili has been stripped of her European Parliament vice-presidential obligations and duties, Ekathimerini has reported.
The news was confirmed by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in a brief statement to the European Parliament on Monday.
“I accompanied a Belgian judge and police – as required by the Belgian constitution – to a house search last weekend,” Metsola said without referring to Kaili directly.
“As a precautionary measure, again with full respect for the presumption of innocence, I have stripped the vice-president mentioned of any tasks and responsibilities related to their role as vice-president…”
Belgium’s federal prosecutor announced on Monday it had carried out 20 searches since Friday, including 19 at private homes and one at the European parliament offices.
Earlier in the day, Greek authorities ordered the seizure of assets belonging to Kaili.
Kaili and three other people have been charged with participation in a criminal organisation, money laundering and corruption, as part of a major investigation into attempts by a Gulf State, named in the Belgian media as Qatar, to buy influence with large sums of money and gifts.
Qatar has denied any wrongdoing.
Source: The Guardian.
READ MORE: European Parliament member Eva Kaili arrested on charge of corruption by Belgian prosecutors.
