Ex-German Lawmaker Arrested for Allegedly Accepting Bribes from Azerbaijan

Axel Fischer

Axel Fischer, a former member of the German Bundestag (parliament), has been arrested due to accusations that he took bribes from Azerbaijan.

Welt, a German newspaper, reported on December 22 that the Munich Higher Regional Court made the arrest order.

Fischer had been absent from earlier court sessions because of health concerns. After a doctor said he was fit to stand trial, he was arrested. He was arrested at a clinic near the Swiss border, where he was getting medical care, and then brought to court.

Fischer denies the bribery charges. He said that he never got any money or presents from Azerbaijan or any lobbying groups.

Prosecutors say that between 2010 and 2018, while Fischer was a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), he voted in favor of Azerbaijan on certain resolutions. They claim he was paid tens of thousands of euros in cash by people working for Azerbaijan.

The accusations are that Fischer's votes in PACE were swayed by these payments. PACE is an organization that works to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Europe. Members of PACE are supposed to act independently and in the best interests of the countries they represent. Allegations of bribery and corruption strike at the heart of the integrity of the organization and the principles it stands for.

The investigation into Fischer's conduct has been ongoing for some time. German authorities have been working to gather evidence and piece together the details of the alleged bribery scheme. The arrest of Fischer is a outcome of this investigation, signaling a resolve to hold accountable those who may have engaged in corruption.

The case has drawn attention in Germany and Europe, raising questions about the influence of foreign governments on elected officials. It also casts a shadow on the integrity of international parliamentary organizations.

If convicted, Fischer could face a jail sentence and other penalties. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are likely to emerge as the case progresses through the courts.