Belgian authorities have formally indicted ex-MEP Marie Arena for alleged involvement in a criminal organisation amid the ongoing “Qatargate” investigation. However, Arena claims this development proves her innocence, as she hasn’t been charged with corruption or money laundering, which are central to the scandal.
In a January 18 interview with La Libre Belgique, Arena stated, “I am not charged with corruption. I am not charged with money laundering. I am only charged because I am a member of a ‘criminal organisation.’”
Arena, who has faced media scrutiny since the investigation began, only spoke with Judge Aurélie Dejaiffe—who is soon leaving her role—on January 16. Her lawyers had long demanded this hearing to access the case files. Arena criticized the justice system for what she called two years of “legal and media lynching,” asserting that accusations of accepting gifts in exchange for favors were baseless.
“For two years, my name has been dragged through the mud over allegations of gifts or favors. In the end, the judge rejected all of it. No corruption, no money laundering—nothing,” she said. Arena described the indictment as a “pseudo-offense” meant to cover up the justice system’s failings.
Despite being named in police reports that allegedly linked her to Antonio Panzeri—the main suspect in the cash-for-influence case—Arena maintains she has done nothing wrong. Reports suggested she had accepted jewelry, gifts, and possibly handled large sums of money, claims she vehemently denies.
“I have not received a watch, jewelry, or anything else—ever,” she declared, adding, “If I am not charged with corruption, it’s because I haven’t done anything wrong.”
Her lawyers dismissed the indictment as “minimal” and suggested it resulted from delayed hearings. “If our client had been heard two years ago, as we requested, this probably wouldn’t have happened,” they said. They vowed to push for a public trial to secure her acquittal.
Arena and her legal team have accused Belgian authorities of mishandling the case. They alleged that state security and police curated evidence selectively, with vague references in recordings being wrongly attributed to her.
“From the start, I’ve been targeted by mistake, and my name has been turned into a trophy,” Arena said, expressing frustration over leaks to the press.
She also distanced herself from €280,000 in cash found in her son’s apartment, stating, “This doesn’t concern me, and I have no explanation to give.”
Arena vowed to face trial, saying she wanted her innocence recognized and would expose the flaws in the investigation. “I won’t hide from justice because I’ve done nothing wrong,” she said.
The Socialist Party (PS), where Arena once served as an MEP and minister, has confirmed she is no longer affiliated with them. A party spokesperson stated that its ethics committee cannot examine her case, leaving the matter solely to the judiciary.
As of now, the Belgian public prosecutor has not commented, and Arena’s prior email contact has been deactivated. Despite the controversy, Arena insists on her innocence and remains determined to clear her name.
