Activist and attorney Imed Ben Halima explained that 53 MPs are fugitives.
In a Facebook video, he pointed out that 25% of MPs are subject to legal proceedings. Accusing house speaker Rached Ghannouchi of complicity, Ben Halima declared that the latter is utilising the files and requests for the waiver of immunity to blackmail MPs.
The lawyer, therefore, explained the difference between Articles 68 and 69 of the Constitution relating to parliamentary immunity.
While, article 68 indicates no MPs may be prosecuted through civil or criminal proceedings, arrested or tried for opinions or propositions presented or for work done in relation to his/her parliamentary functions, article 69 stipulates” If a member of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People asserts criminal immunity in writing, he/she may not be prosecuted or arrested during his/her term of office for a criminal charge unless immunity is lifted. In the event of being apprehended committing a crime, the member may be arrested. The Speaker of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People shall immediately be notified and the member shall be released if the Bureau of the Assembly so requests”.
In case of a flagrante delicto, he can be captured. The President of the Assembly must be informed immediately and the detention shall be terminated if the Bureau of the Assembly so requires.
He, therefore, called on the Ministry of Justice to communicate the requests for the lifting of parliamentary immunity.
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