BRUSSELS - MEPs meeting in Strasbourg on the occasion of the plenary of the European Parliament will vote today on the request for defense of Guy Verhofstadt's privileges and immunities in relation to a criminal case initiated against him by Matteo Salvini before the District Prosecutor's Office at the Court of Trento for alleged defamation through social networks.
In a tweet of February 13, 2020, the Belgian MEP wrote: "Matteo Salvini is accused of illegally detaining migrants at sea after being rescued by Gregoretti. massive corruption with Russian oil bribes! ".
In making these comments, Verhofstadt defamed the Member of the Italian Parliament, pursuant to article 595, paragraphs 1 and 3, of the Italian penal code. In the text already approved in committee it is recommended to defend the immunity of the Belgian, because these are statements made in the role of deputy. The results of the secret ballot will be announced tomorrow.