The Tunisian parliament has formally begun deliberations on the economic reconciliation bill.
The draft law calls for special measures to deal with the corruption that took place under the regime of toppled former President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali by providing amnesty to thousands of former government employees who were charged with financial crimes, including embezzlement.
“The bill aims to support the transitional justice apparatus, to ensure an appropriate investment environment, to develop the national economy and to boost trust in state institutions,” the bill’s first article states.
However, politicians, activists and ordinary people have strongly opposed it saying it aims to pardon corruption.
The Chairman of the General Legislation Committee Shaker Al- Ayyadi said the committee will be independent and can modify the bill as it deems appropriate.
A majority of the committee members stressed that “the law must not be inconsistent with the transitional justice or the constitution”.