Request for the defence of the privileges and immunities of Rosario Crocetta

The European Parliament decided to defend the privileges and immunities of Rosario CROCETTA (former MEP, S&D, IT).

Parliament recalled that he requested the defence of his parliamentary immunity in connection with criminal proceedings pending before the third Criminal Chamber of the Court of Palermo. He is alleged to have made defamatory statements during a political debate (statements concerning fake public procurement and links to the mafia).

Parliament recalled that according to Article 8 of Protocol No 7, Members of the European Parliament may not be subject to any form of inquiry, detention or legal proceedings in respect of opinions expressed or votes cast by them in the performance of their duties. Such immunity must, to the extent that it seeks to protect the freedom of expression and independence of Members of the European Parliament, be considered as an absolute immunity barring any judicial proceedings in respect of an opinion expressed or a vote cast in the exercise of parliamentary duties.

Given that the statements by Rosario Crocetta were made when he was a Member of the European Parliament and that he was always very involved in the fight against organised crime, including within the European Parliament, Parliament decided to defend his privileges and immunities.