Ilaria Salis and Fredi Beleri, newly elected MEPs, are facing political charges that have raised questions about the rule of law in Hungary and Albania. Despite being under detention for alleged criminal activity, both Salis and Beleri will be taking up seats in Brussels and Strasbourg. Salis, who was detained in Hungary last year, is awaiting trial on charges of assaulting neo-Nazi extremists, which she denies. Her father expressed hope for her release soon. Similarly, Beleri, a Greek national convicted of vote-buying in Albania, maintains that his arrest was politically motivated. Both cases highlight concerns over judicial independence in these countries.
Salis, who was released from jail to house arrest in May, is awaiting paperwork to secure her freedom as an MEP. Her father described the conditions of her detention as tough and viewed the arrest as a political action in an increasingly authoritarian Hungary. Beleri, on the other hand, faces the challenge of having to complete his two-year sentence in Albania before being able to attend sessions as an MEP. Both cases have attracted attention and support from fellow MEPs and leaders in Greece.
Despite the immunity granted to MEPs from legal proceedings in other EU member states, lawmakers are not entirely immune from justice. They can still be detained if caught red-handed, as in the case of Eva Kaili, who was allegedly involved in the Qatargate scandal. Parliament has the authority to lift an individual lawmaker’s immunity if necessary, as seen with Ioannis Lagos from Greece. While MEPs technically can retain their office even after conviction or imprisonment, the logistical challenges of carrying out their duties can be significant.
The arrest of Salis and Beleri has highlighted concerns over judicial bias and political interference in Hungary and Albania. Salis’s case, in particular, has been seen as a political action in a country with an authoritarian trend. Beleri’s arrest has been framed as a political move by the ruling party in Albania. The involvement of fellow MEPs and leaders in addressing these issues reflects the broader concern over the rule of law and judicial independence in these countries.
Salis and Beleri, as elected MEPs, face the challenge of navigating their legal situations while fulfilling their duties as representatives of their constituencies. The cases of other MEPs involved in legal issues demonstrate the complexities of balancing legal proceedings with parliamentary responsibilities. Despite the immunity granted to MEPs, they are still subject to the rule of law and the potential consequences of criminal activities. The ongoing support and attention given to Salis and Beleri’s cases underscore the importance of upholding democratic values and the rule of law within the European Union.
In conclusion, the cases of Ilaria Salis and Fredi Beleri highlight the intersection of politics, law, and democracy within the European Union. Their situations raise questions about the rule of law and judicial independence in Hungary and Albania, and the challenges faced by MEPs in balancing legal proceedings with parliamentary duties. The support and attention from fellow lawmakers and leaders underscore the importance of upholding democratic values and the rights of elected representatives. As Salis and Beleri take on their roles as MEPs, the resolution of their legal issues will continue to be monitored and addressed within the broader context of European governance and political accountability.
