Geneva prosecutor: can’t reopen criminal case against Pakistan president because of immunity
By APWednesday, March 31, 2010
Geneva prosecutor: can’t reopen Zardari case
GENEVA — A Swiss prosecutor says he can’t reopen a criminal case against Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari because he enjoys “absolute immunity” as a head of state.
Geneva prosecutor Daniel Zappelli says Pakistan would first have to lift Zardari’s immunity before Swiss authorities could consider reopening their case against the widower of Benazir Bhutto.
A Pakistan government lawyer said Wednesday that authorities asked Switzerland to reopen the money-laundering case against Zardari after his amnesty was struck down by Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
Even without immunity, Zappelli said that an investigation of Zardari wouldn’t be automatic.
Zappelli dropped the 16-year-old case in 2008 on Pakistan’s request.
