Former Belgian MEP Marie Arena was brought in as a defendant in the European Parliament corruption case, known as "Cathargate". The prosecution accuses her of participating in an organized crime group, although she has been repeatedly investigated in the case in the past, quoted by BTA.
In her first interview after the indictment, Arena stated that she was innocent and that she was not being prosecuted for money laundering or corruption. According to her, the accusation against her is only related to personal acquaintances with other defendants, and the accusation itself was part of an attempt to move the investigation forward. She added that the aim was to generate attention for the case, with the use of her name in the media leading to what she described as a "legal-media lynching".
Arena specified that in order to be charged with participation in an organized crime group, the accused must be aware of the criminal activity being carried out, which she categorically denied. "I swear that is not the case", she said.
Immediately after the charges were announced, the Belgian Socialist Party announced that Arena no longer represents the political organization. Arena had been part of the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament for the past 10 years.
The "Catargate" investigation and charges
The investigation into the "Catargate" case began three years ago and has so far arrested suspects, including former European Parliament Vice-President Eva Kaili. Although all the accused are at large, the investigation has repeatedly gone through a change of supervising judge. Belgian authorities are now investigating whether the investigation itself was conducted lawfully. Other people under investigation include former MEPs Antonio Panzeri, Marc Tarabella and Andrea Cozzolino, who are suspected of receiving money to influence European Parliament decisions related to the EU's relations with Qatar and Morocco.