New Corruption Investigation at the European Parliament Involving Huawei
A new corruption investigation is underway in Belgium, involving members of the European Parliament and Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei. The investigation, which has been linked to the 2022 Qatargate scandal, centers on allegations that Huawei lobbyists attempted to bribe European officials to support favorable measures in the Parliament. The authorities have executed searches on 21 buildings, including Huawei’s Brussels office, and have arrested several individuals. The investigation is focusing on 15 European parliamentarians or former members, and prominent figures such as lobbyist Valerio Ottati, a Huawei executive, are under suspicion. The Belgian authorities allege that the corruption, which started in 2021, was disguised as routine lobbying. Huawei has publicly stated its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and has vowed to cooperate fully with the investigation. This case comes on the heels of Qatargate, which saw several individuals arrested for alleged bribery involving Qatar and Morocco. The European Parliament has been working to reform lobbying and transparency rules in response to the scandals, although some measures are still not fully operational.
Justice Reform Controversy: Undersecretary Delmastro Criticizes Constitutional Changes
Andrea Delmastro Delle Vedove, the Undersecretary of Justice, expressed strong opposition to the constitutional reform on justice, led by his own ministry and government. The reform, which has passed its first reading in the Chamber of Deputies, is now under examination in the Senate. It introduces significant changes to the judiciary, including the separation of careers between prosecutors and judges, with different admission exams and internal rules. One of the most controversial aspects is the creation of two separate Superior Councils of the Judiciary (CSM), one for each career, along with an additional High Disciplinary Court to handle misconduct. Delmastro, a member of the right-wing party Fratelli d’Italia, criticized the idea of two CSMs, warning that it could lead to an overpowered public prosecutor’s office and potential conflicts with judges. He also expressed doubts about the establishment of the High Disciplinary Court, seeing it as a flawed approach. The reform has sparked significant opposition from magistrates, including a recent strike organized by the National Association of Magistrates, which argues that the reform threatens judicial independence.
Post-Earthquake Response in Naples: Occupation of Former NATO Base as Residents Seek Shelter
Following the earthquake in the Campi Flegrei area near Naples on March 13, residents of Bagnoli took refuge in a former NATO base, which had been abandoned but offers extensive grounds and seismic-proof buildings. After breaking down the gates to enter, they held a public assembly demanding that the site be converted into emergency housing for displaced people. The earthquake has raised concerns over the ongoing bradisismo, a phenomenon causing land shifts due to volcanic activity. Local authorities, including Regional President Vincenzo De Luca, have pledged to establish a permanent shelter for evacuees. Though few people have been displaced so far, anxiety remains high, especially after the recent tremor that caused significant damage and fear. Experts from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology have stated there is no imminent eruption, but ongoing seismic activity suggests more earthquakes are possible.
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Foggia, No Damage Reported
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Foggia province in Puglia on Friday at 8:37 PM. The epicenter was located about 10 kilometers off the coast of Lesina, in the Gargano area. The tremor was felt in several nearby regions, including Foggia, Bari, as well as parts of Abruzzo and Basilicata. No significant damage has been reported, although the main quake was followed by smaller aftershocks.
Rome Appeals Court Hands Life Sentence to Marco Bianchi for Murder of Willy Monteiro Duarte
On Friday, the Rome Court of Appeal sentenced Marco and Gabriele Bianchi to life imprisonment and 28 years in prison, respectively, for the murder of 21-year-old Willy Monteiro Duarte, which took place in Colleferro, near Rome, on the night of September 5-6, 2020. This ruling followed a second appeal process requested by the Court of Cassation in April of last year. While the brothers were initially sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial, the appeal court had reduced Marco Bianchi’s sentence to 24 years after recognizing mitigating circumstances. However, the Court of Cassation rejected these mitigating circumstances, leading to Marco’s life sentence. Gabriele’s sentence was increased to 28 years after the court recognized some mitigating factors. The appeal court was criticized by the Cassation for not properly weighing the aggravating and mitigating factors and for failing to account for the brothers’ previous convictions.
