The European Parliament voted on Thursday to lift the immunity of Alexis Georgoulis, a Greek MEP previously affiliated with the Left group, who is facing rape allegations.
Additionally, the immunity of Maria Spyraki, a Greek MEP from the centre-right European People’s Party, was also waived due to suspicions of fraud.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are generally protected by parliamentary immunity, which shields them from legal proceedings, detention, and inquiry. However, this immunity can be waived if requested by a competent authority and approved by a majority vote in the hemicycle. Both immunity waivers were overwhelmingly supported in Thursday’s vote.
Georgoulis stands accused of rape and assault following a 2020 incident in Brussels, based on a complaint from a woman. Belgian authorities formally requested the lifting of his immunity in April to proceed with the case. The allegations have caused a stir in Greece, where Georgoulis is also known for his previous career as an actor. He has consistently denied the charges, calling the complaint “false” and “slanderous.” “I intend to fight my battle in justice, for the truth and the restoration of my name,” he stated in April when announcing his departure from the SYRIZA party. Georgoulis waived his right to testify before a parliamentary committee, which expedited the process of immunity removal.
Spyraki is under investigation for alleged fraud concerning her management of parliamentary allowances and the salaries of her accredited assistants. In December, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) requested the lifting of her immunity to pursue the investigation. The case involves two assistants whose expenses were reimbursed for uncompleted missions, and another assistant who was paid despite being absent from Parliament from November 2016 to February 2020.
Spyraki denies any wrongdoing, stating, “I have never been accused of taking the salaries of my assistants or illegally using funds from the EU budget. I don’t have any financial dispute with the European Parliament. I completely trust the justice system.” She also noted that she has repaid “all amounts unduly paid,” although this does not eliminate her potential criminal liability.