MPs to Discuss Anti-Corruption Bill

The Parliament is expected to start discussion of anti-corruption bill, proposed by President Saakashvili.

The bill implies confiscation of assets of those officials who fail to prove assets were acquired legally. The amendments also simplify the procedures of arrest of those officials suspected in bribery. A 22-page package of bills implies to amend 12 laws.

Under the amendments a prosecutor has a right to make a deal with the suspect in order to reveal other high officials allegedly involved in corruption. Thus, the bill would allow prosecutors to release, or mitigate the punishment for alleged corrupt official, who will supply information or evidence of crimes that they or colleagues committed.

This is one of the main provisions that cast controversy among the lawmakers. Another controversial point of the bill is the proposal to allow the court to sentence officials suspected in corruption even if the suspect is hiding and is currently wanted by the police.