The European Parliament has decided to lift the parliamentary immunity of Petr Bystron, Member of the European Parliament. This decision allows German authorities to continue criminal proceedings against him. The case concerns the alleged use of symbols of anti-constitutional and terrorist organizations.
The Chief Public Prosecutor in Munich requested the lifting of Petr Bystron's immunity in connection with charges under Article 86 bis of the German Criminal Code. Parliamentary immunity is meant to protect parliamentary activity, not to provide personal protection against ordinary criminal proceedings.
The decision was adopted in the 2025 plenary session and was immediately transmitted to German authorities. Criminal proceedings can continue immediately after the transmission of the decision. The European Parliament will not be involved in the subsequent criminal process.
This decision demonstrates that parliamentary immunity does not protect MEPs against criminal charges unrelated to their parliamentary activities. Citizens can trust that the system works properly, ensuring accountability of all elected representatives.