On Monday, the European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs examined Latvia's request to lift the parliamentary immunity of MEPs Nils Ušakovs and Andris Ameriks. Latvia is requesting this in a case concerning alleged bribery and abuse of office.
Evidence gathered by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shows that the former Chairman of Rīga City Council Ušakovs and his deputy requested a large amount of bribe from a natural person, the sub-owner of the minibus passenger transport company RMS, using their position as the local government's leading officials. Ušakovs maintains the accusations are politically motivated.
Members of the EP's Legal Affairs Committee voted on parliamentary immunities in camera on the evening of Monday, 8 April. Unofficial information suggests that the EP Committee recommends against lifting parliamentary immunity and that the Committee's vote was overwhelming. The Committee therefore reportedly considers that the parliamentary immunity of both MEPs should be maintained.
However, the lifting of parliamentary immunity will be voted on in the EP plenary on Wednesday or Thursday. If the EP plenary decides to lift parliamentary immunity, this decision will also apply in the next parliamentary term if the MEP is re-elected.
Even if the EP votes to lift their parliamentary immunity, Ušakovs and Ameriks can continue to serve as MEPs, and this does not in any way limit their chances of standing again in the parliamentary or EP elections.
Neither Ušakovs nor Ameriks commented on the Committee's decision - they will do so only after the plenary vote.
