Qatargate: Court of Appeal rules immunity remains intact, investigation may continue

Brussels, 20 February (LaPresse) – The Qatargate investigation can resume. After carefully examining the investigation, the Brussels Court of Appeal has confirmed that the proceedings will continue and rejected most of the objections raised by the defendants. This was reported by LeSoir. Eva Kaili, former Vice-President of the European Parliament, is among those who appealed to the Indictment Division, contesting that the investigation opened in July 2022 had been conducted correctly. In other words, impartially and in strict compliance with the law. Furthermore, the Court considers that the immunities of former MEPs Eva Kaili, Marc Tarabella and Andrea Cozzolino have not been violated: the preliminary investigations by the State Security Services did not target them directly, and if they appear as suspects in this Qatargate case, it is not because of their opinions but because they are believed to be guilty – according to the prosecution’s hypothesis – of participating in a criminal organisation, corruption and money laundering. The various parties were heard from 8 to 12 December 2025, giving them the opportunity to express their concerns and allowing the prosecution to defend the completeness of its investigations. The ruling – seen by LeSoir – is not favourable to the defendants, although some elements may still be discussed before the judge of first instance, should a trial be held.