Request for the defence of parliamentary immunity of Corneliu Vadim Tudor

The Committee on Legal Affairs unanimously adopted the report drafted by Cecilia WIKSTRÖM (ADLE, SE) in which it calls on the European Parliament not to defend the immunity and privileges of Corneliu Vadim Tudor (NI, RO).

Mr Tudor’s request relates to criminal proceedings in which he is accused of having threatened a bailiff and some police officers, committing acts of violence against them, insulting them and generally attempting to obstruct the execution of a legal decision in the context of the eviction of the Romania Mare party from its premises in Bucharest on 4 January 2011. He is charged with contempt of court, behaviour contrary to good morals and breach of the peace.

Members recall that according to Article 8 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, Members of the European Parliament shall 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. However, given that Mr Tudor has not been detained, arrested or searched, the need does not exist to seek the agreement of the European Parliament. Since the facts of the case are nor connected with his votes or with his political opinions expressed in the exercise of his office, it has not been considered necessary to request the waiver of Mr Tudor’s immunity.

Therefore, the committee recommends that the European Parliament should decide not to defend the immunity and privileges of Corneliu Vadim Tudor.