The Panzeri case has gone off the usual crime thing which an official committed by. Today it became a moment of testing the European society in general principles of legality and the rule of law. Thats why the whole world was waiting for some results, and theyre really gave the hope that the law and equality before it is not an empty phrase.
A former Italy parliament member in EU with a group of three more people was detained in December, 2022 due to an investigation of corruption in the European Parliament. This situation is really stirred up not only some political circles, but ordinary European citizens. It means because the officials who are supposed to ensure the law functioning of the European Union, are violated the basic principles of this structure.
The global Affair
It is not an easy item, because in its course a lot of unpleasant moments associated with different countries were stirred up as well. It can cost careers and even freedom to many famous personalities and politicians. And it is clear that many people involved here would like to change this situation.
But now Pierre Panzeri has admit his guilt and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. He agrees to provide the information about the bribes he gave and other key details. He intends to talk about how other countries influenced the work of the parliament, using illegal actions.
Some defendants in the case are the countries such as Qatar and Belgium. This circumstance will give the jeopardy of the safety of Panzeri himself, but it is reported that all necessary protective measures are taken into account and are involved.
Dangerous details
The former Member of EP said he would provide some important facts like as
financial arrangements between officials;
countries involved in illegal schemes;
persons who directly benefited, etc.
This data base may lead to international scandals, but at the same time it can stop one of the most outrageous and significant schemes that have arisen in the very center of Europe.
Panzeri’s lawyer said that the his client is aware of his guilt. Moreover, he recognizes himself as the leader of the criminal organization that was created that.
In turn that the prosecutor said that the ex-deputy voluntarily confessed to a bribe of 120 thousand euros to the Belgian deputy Marc Tarabelli. To move this case forward, Tarabelli’s parliamentary immunity must be lifted.
The confession stirred up a hornet’s nest, that’s beyond some doubts. But Panzeri tries to protect some in the European Parliament even while testifying against them. For example, the Belgian Parliament member Maria Arena did not declare a trip to Qatar in 2022, and the accused emphasizes that she did not know about the fraud that was actually taking place.
Bidding for the Punishment
Pantseri’s lawyer reports that the ex-deputy is now in a depressed state, from which he really wants to get out. One of the steps towards this is recognition. The result may be a mitigation of the punishment, which the lawyer is actively working on. Now the accused person faces for 5 years in prison, 4 of which are suspended. In addition, there will be a fine and confiscation of assets obtained as a result of the criminal scheme. These assets are valued at 1 million euros.
Family problems
The Panzeri family will also feel the consequences. His daughter is facing extradition to Belgium because the Belgian authorities believe that she was aware of the scheme created by her father. But the woman herself and her father claim that she did not know what was really happening.
How many more defendants will appear in this case, the near future will show, since Antonio Pantseri has just begun to testify.
