Mozambique lifts immunity of ex-minister held in SA
Facing extradition requests from both the US and his home country, Chang has enjoyed automatic immunity as a lawmaker.
Former Mozambican finance minister Manuel Chang, seen in a January 8, 2019 court appearance, is fighting extradition to the United States over accusations of money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to wire fraud and conspiracy for security fraud. Picture: AFP / File / Wikus DE WET
The Mozambican parliament today lifted the immunity of former finance minister and serving MP Manuel Chang, held in South Africa since December under an international arrest warrant issued by the US.
Chang, 63, was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on December 29 on a US extradition request for his alleged involvement in $2 billion of fraudulent loans to state firms.
Facing extradition requests from both the US and his home country, Chang has enjoyed automatic immunity as a lawmaker.
The request to withdraw immunity was initiated by the Mozambican attorney general’s office and the Supreme Court last week.
“We have deliberated in favour of the request but the Supreme Court knows what to do,” Antonio Amelia, parliament deputy speaker told reporters in the capital Maputo.
“And we believe that the Supreme Court will respect the law.”
However, opposition MPs boycotted the session on the ground that it was a ploy to block Chang’s extradition to the United States.
The US alleges that Chang had received $12 million to agree to signing a loan deal for supposedly financing a tuna-fishing fleet and maritime surveillance project.
Chang returns to court in South Africa on Thursday to know the outcome of his bail application.
Another hearing session is scheduled for February 5 to determine Mozambique’s extradition request following the earlier US request.
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