As for the applicability of Article 9, it must be remarked that the charges brought against Mr Albertini do not refer to the opinions expressed or votes cast in the performance of his duties as a member of the European Parliament for the simple reason that a blank amendment - as it ultimately contains no expressions - cannot be equated with an "opinion".
Attiecībā uz 9. panta piemērojamību jāpiebilst, ka apsūdzības, kas izvirzītas pret G. Albertini, neattiecas uz viņa izteikto viedokli vai veikto balsojumu, pildot Eiropas Parlamenta deputāta pienākumus, tā vienkāršā iemesla dēļ, ka tukšu grozījumu nevar uzskatīt par „viedokli”, jo tas galu galā nesatur nekādu viedokli.