Brussels, 13/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 13 September, the European Parliament decided to lift the immunity enjoyed by Hans-Peter Martin (NI, Austria) in order to allow the Austrian authorities to begin proceedings against him. Martin is accused of having inappropriately used public funds to finance private expenditure and to settle inflated invoices submitted to him by friends or business associates. Allegations refer to the period covered by the European electoral campaign, between 2008 and 2009.
Hans-Peter Martin is also accused of having misled auditors responsible for scrutinising the use of funds by submitting “fictitious documents”.
As part of the preliminary investigation, the Public Prosecutor's Office in Vienna has stated its intention to search the premises used by “Liste Martin” collaborators, and to order the unveiling of information relating to bank accounts and transactions, not only in Austria but also in Germany. (L.C./transl.jl)