Former MEP Maria Arena faces charges of criminal organization involvement

Former European Parliament member Maria Arena has been charged with being part of a criminal organization, according to Belgian prosecutors. She denies the charges, which are part of the ongoing Qatargate scandal involving alleged foreign lobbying for influence in the Parliament. Arena's charges follow a series of accusations against multiple MEPs and staffers linked to corruption and money laundering since the scandal emerged in 2022. She previously stepped down from her role as chair of the human rights subcommittee after failing to declare trips to Qatar. This development adds to the growing list of individuals charged in the investigation, which has seen significant delays and complications, including the resignation of the lead judge due to conflict of interest claims.