Under-fire Greek MEP loses VP powers over Qatar graft probe
A Greek MEP had her powers as a vice president of the European Parliament suspended Saturday over a corruption probe implicating World Cup hosts Qatar that has ensnared four others and sparked calls for "root and branch reform" in the EU institution.
European Parliament president Roberta Metsola "has decided to suspend with immediate effect all powers, duties and tasks that were delegated to Eva Kaili in her capacity as Vice-President of the European Parliament," a spokesperson said.
Earlier Saturday, Metsola said on Twitter that the parliament "stands firmly against corruption", adding they would do everything they could to "assist the course of justice".
Socialist MEP Kaili was arrested on Friday hours after four others were detained for questioning.
The arrests followed raids in Brussels which prosecutors said turned up €600,000 in cash. Police also seized computers and mobile phones.
Belgium's federal prosecutor's office said the investigation concerned suspected "corruption" and "money laundering" and an unnamed Gulf country.
A legal source close to the case confirmed to AFP Belgian press reports that the country was Qatar.
News of the arrests sparked outrage and calls for...