Elio Di Rupo denies corruption accusations, plans defamation lawsuit
Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Elio Di Rupo, a European Parliament member and former PS chairman, denies all accusations of corruption and involvement in corrupt practices.
- Di Rupo is preparing to file a defamation lawsuit against businessman Dominique Janne and party colleague Luc Joris.
- The accusations involve alleged pressure in 2017 to sell shares of a pension fund, with Di Rupo claiming he was a target of blackmail and attempted extortion.
Elio Di Rupo, a prominent figure in Belgian politics and former chairman of the Socialist Party (PS), has vehemently denied any involvement in corruption. The accusations stem from NOVO Holding, a real estate company owned by Brussels businessman Dominique Janne, which has filed a complaint against Di Rupo for alleged conflicts of interest and corruption.
He denies any involvement in corruption.
According to NOVO Holding's statement, Di Rupo allegedly exerted pressure in 2017 to facilitate the sale of shares held by the Liège pension fund Ogeo to Triple Living. The company claims to have obtained confidential information recorded by Luc Joris, described as a confidant of Di Rupo, which supports these allegations. The accusations suggest Di Rupo misused his influence for illicit gain.
He prepares to file a complaint for defamation against Brussels businessman Dominique Janne and party colleague Luc Joris.
In response, Di Rupo has announced his intention to file a lawsuit for defamation and slander against both Dominique Janne and Luc Joris. He categorically denies ever requesting the transfer of shares between companies. Furthermore, Di Rupo intends to file a separate complaint against Joris for abuse of trust and the misuse of his medical profession for criminal purposes. He stated that the lawsuit would also target any individuals or entities involved in disseminating these claims.
He says he never asked to transfer shares from one company to another.
Di Rupo also revealed that he had filed a complaint in March 2024 after receiving a message demanding he "stop the threats" from a friend. He indicated that he had been the target of an attempted blackmail scheme, involving recordings that referenced "alleged large-scale fraudulent transactions." These revelations add layers of complexity to the ongoing legal and political dispute, suggesting a potential conspiracy against him.
He wants to file a complaint against Dominique Janne and Luc Joris for defamation and slander.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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