Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A Belgian court in Liège will review EU Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen’s legal immunity on Jan 6 over the controversy of COVID-19 vaccine procurement.
As reported by TASS, Frederic Baldan, the complainant, said:
“The Belgian court hearing on January 6 will be carried out upon an address of the EU office of the prosecutor that should scrutinize acts of corruption in EU institutions but which is de facto acting to support von der Leyen now. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office sent an address to the court, saying that von der Leyen has the immunity against court prosecution on accusations of corruption when purchasing COVID-19 vaccines that did not pass clinical trials.”
What are the charges against Von der Leyen?
EU Commission President Von der Leyen is accused of several charges, among them “usurpation of functions and title,” destruction of public documents, and high-level corruption. These charges are based on allegations that she messaged Pfizer’s CEO, Albert Bourla, via SMS in order to conclude a deal over 1.8 billion vaccine doses worth some €35 billion without proper transparency or the consent of EU member states. She claimed the messages were deleted accidentally.
It is on record that the first date for hearing this case was set on May 17, 2024. At this session, the court simply confirmed its jurisdiction over the matter. However, the subsequent session was thwarted by a preliminary objection raised by the EPPO, arguing that von der Leyen was immune from prosecution under her status.
What role did Frederic Baldan play in this case?
A Belgian lobbyist, Frederic Baldan, was the plaintiff in the legal action against Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission’s President. Baldan was behind the controversy regarding the “Pfizergate” involving allegations that Ursula von der Leyen carried out secret negotiations with Pfizer concerning COVID-19 vaccine contracts and did not pass through the correct channels.
In 2023, Baldan filed a criminal complaint against von der Leyen for several offences, including abuse of authority, destruction of public documents, and corruption related to her negotiations with Pfizer. He alleges that these acts damaged public finances and violated EU regulations.
