CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Court acquits ex-premier of corruption charges

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

BANGUI, 7 Dec 2004 (IRIN) - A court of appeals in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), acquitted former Prime Minister Jean-Edouard Koyambounou of corruption on Tuesday, after a jury found the prosecution's evidence inadequate to support the charges.

"I thank the judicial authorities of CAR because they applied the law. I'm satisfied," Koyambounou told IRIN after the judgement.

The prosecution had accused Koyambounou, who served as prime minister under former President Ange-Felix Patasse, of embezzling public funds. He was detained for 16 months at the Ngaragba Prison.

Prosecutor Sylvain Nzas had alleged that Koyambounou had embezzled US $106,000 from the government. He had asked the court to imprison Koyambounou for 12 years with hard labour and also confiscate his property to recover the loss.

However, the jury ruled that there was no evidence to support the charge since the money was not transferred to Koyambounou's bank account, but to that of the state inspectorate.

One of Koyambounou's lawyers, Marcelle Gotilogue, praised the jury's decision, saying, "If I was not convinced of Koyambounou's innocence, I would not defend him."

Meanwhile, Patasse will be tried in absentia on 22 December to face charges of embezzlement, treason and rape.

Former CAR chief-of-staff Gen Francois Bozize ousted Patasse on 15 March 2003 following a six-month rebellion. Patasse fled the country soon after Bozize's coup.

[ENDS]