Burundi MPs investigated
2006-05-05 13:37
Bujumbura - Burundi's parliament has authorised prosecutors to investigate two lawmakers, who have accused a senior member of the ruling party of corruption.
Burundi's assembly approved a request from its attorney general, Jean-Bosco Ndikumana, to open a probe into the duo on Thursday.
The MPs - Mathias Basabose and Deo Nshimirimana - are at the centre of a widening scandal that saw police detain and beat journalists in the country last month.
Burundi's deputy speaker, Onesime Nduwimana, said the vote did not strip the legislators of their parliamentary immunity but would allow the pair to be investigated for fraud and corruption.
Nduwimana said a decision on whether to strip the two of their immunity, and proceed with prosecution, would depend on the results of the investigation.
The allegations come just weeks after Basabose's expulsion from President Pierre Nkurunziza's forces for the defence of democracy (FDD) party.
Rajab named as prosecution witness
Basabose was kicked out of the party after he levelled accusations of financial impropriety and judicial tampering against FDD leader Hussein Rajab.
When asked about the judicial inquiry on Friday, Basabose said: "What is happening is a proof that my accusations against Hussein Rajab are founded."
Nduwimana said Rajab was not a subject of the investigation authorised by parliament, but he had been named as a prosecution witness.
The case drew international attention in April, when police detained 20 of the country's journalists.
The journalists had attended a press conference at Basabose's home, and were beaten by police when they attempted to leave.
Nkurunziza's administration initially deplored the actions of the police, but later gave bonuses to the officers involved.