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A Belgian court reversed a decision to release Niccolò Figà-Talamanca, one of the main suspects in the ongoing Qatargate corruption probe, with an electronic monitor, meaning he will remain detained pending trial.
The federal prosecutor’s office said Tuesday it won its appeal at the indictment chamber challenging a December 14 decision to grant Figà-Talamanca monitored release. Neither the prosecutor’s office nor Figà-Talamanca’s lawyers have responded to a request for comment on why his release was overturned.
Figà-Talamanca is one of four people to be arrested in Brussels on charges related to the so-called Qatargate scandal that has rocked the European capital with allegations centered on whether Qatar and Morocco bought influence in the European Parliament. Figà-Talamanca is secretary-general of one of the NGOs linked to the scandal, No Peace Without Justice, which works on rule of law and human rights issues.
Last Thursday, a Belgian court also denied a request by former European Parliament Vice President Eva Kaili to be released with an electronic monitor, extending her detention period by one month. Kaili decided not to appeal that ruling, spending Christmas in the jail of Haren.
Another suspect in the ongoing probe, former Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, also appeared before the indictment chamber Tuesday, but another hearing on his case was postponed until January 17.
Source: Politico
