On 6 May 2025, the European Parliament voted to waive the immunity of Petr Bystron, a German MEP. This decision allows the German judicial authorities to pursue an investigation concerning him. Parliament considered that there was no fumus persecutionis (indication of political persecution).
Petr Bystron, elected as an MEP in 2024, is the subject of a judicial investigation in Germany. The German authorities asked the European Parliament to waive his parliamentary immunity, which normally protects MEPs from criminal prosecution. This request was examined by the Committee on Legal Affairs, which recommended the waiver of immunity.
The European Parliament adopted the decision to waive Petr Bystron's immunity. This means that the German authorities can now initiate or continue criminal proceedings against him. Parliament verified that the request was not motivated by political reasons (absence of fumus persecutionis).
The vote was taken by a show of hands, without individual count. The decision was adopted, indicating a clear majority in favour of waiving immunity.
This decision shows that MEPs are not above national laws. Parliamentary immunity exists to protect elected officials from abusive prosecution, but it is not absolute. By waiving immunity, Parliament allows the German justice system to do its work. For citizens, this is a guarantee that elected officials can be held accountable for their actions, like any citizen.