Request for the defence of parliamentary immunity of Umberto Bossi

The European Parliament decided by 563 votes to 13, with 13 abstentions, to defend the immunity and privileges of Umberto Bossi (former Italian MEP).

Umberto Bossi is being investigated in Italy for an offence deemed to be serious under the Italian Criminal Code. The investigation relates, in particular, to statements made by Mr Bossi towards Mr Giuliano Amato (the then Minister of Internal Affairs) in connection with the electoral procedure. Following the opinion of its Committee on Legal Affairs, the Parliament considers that Mr Bossi merely commented on facts in the public domain which had an Italian and European political dimension.

Therefore, the Parliament decided to defend the immunity and privileges of Umberto Bossi.