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Greek parliamentary immunity proceedings

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2026-09-23 14:39 UTC → 2026-09-25 12:06 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Greek parliament has taken several actions regarding the parliamentary immunity of its members. In a vote supported by 264 out of 266 MPs present, the parliament lifted the immunity of Dimitris Avramopoulos, a former European Commissioner and New Democracy lawmaker. This decision allows Belgian authorities to advance an investigation into the ‘Qatargate’ corruption scandal, which involves allegations of money laundering, public corruption, and participation in a criminal group. Avramopoulos has denied all allegations, stating his involvement with the NGO Fight Impunity was ‘lawful, audited, approved’. He maintains his role was ‘exclusively honorary and advisory’ without executive, administrative, or financial responsibilities, noting his compensation was fully declared and taxed in Greece. Following his voluntary appearance before Belgian judicial authorities in Brussels to provide evidence and explanations, Belgian authorities revoked the arrest warrant previously issued for Avramopoulos. Consequently, the Athens Court of Appeal has closed the case regarding the execution of the warrant. The parliament also voted to lift the immunity of Zoi Konstantopoulou, president of Pleksi Eleftherias, for two separate cases: a defamation lawsuit involving Christoforos Sevastidis and a case regarding the unauthorized video recording and social media posting of a police officer during the Tempi train crash trial. Konstantopoulou characterized these legal actions as ‘organized targeting’. Conversely, the parliament rejected requests to lift the immunity of New Democracy MPs Lefteris Avgenakis and Makarios Lazaridis. Avgenakis faces allegations regarding an inaccurate asset declaration, while Lazaridis faces allegations of fraud involving a legal entity of the Greek state. The Ethics Committee had previously recommended against lifting their immunity, with Lazaridis characterizing the charges as ‘purely political persecution’. Recent parliamentary proceedings have expanded to include other members. The Ethics Committee has recommended lifting the immunity of SYRIZA MP Pavlos Polakis following a complaint of false accusation.

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