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Former Czech prime minister Necas accused of corruption

12 February 2014 05:06 (UTC +04:00)

"I do not yet know the content of the decision," Lzicar said.

"However, according to my information it arises from the state of affairs that was known eight months ago and is not based on any new facts," he added.

"Necas dismisses the allegations, believing that political conduct was being criminalised," Lzicar said.

Lzicar told Czech Television (CT) later that Necas was of the view the case could be a revenge for the criminal complaint he lodged against the persons from the law enforcement sphere two weeks ago.

In it, he also voiced his view of the way the case was being investigated, Lzicar said.

He said Necas might submit a complaint against the opening of the prosecution.

The case of alleged bribery brought about the fall of the Necas centre-right coalition government last June.

Necas resigned as prime minister and ODS leader.

Necas is facing the allegations that he helped bribe the three ODS rebels into resigning as deputies in exchange of lucrative posts in state-owned companies to enable the passage of the crucial legislation they opposed.

Tluchor's lawyer Marek Nespala told CTK that if Necas's accusation were connected with a former charge levelled against Tluchor, this would be an absurd situation.

The Supreme Court ruled last year that the three deputies' steps preceding their departure from parliament are covered by their indemnity or immunity of lawmakers. It is also impossible to accuse them of withdrawal from parliament, the court said.

It ruled that Necas, for his part, is not exempted from the power of the police and state attorneys, and that he can be prosecuted.

Constitutional lawyer from Charles University in Prague Marek Antos said there was nothing surprising about Necas's accusations.

"The Supreme Court's decision was criticised by the lawyers, but it was based on the special position of a deputy," Antos said.

"The Supreme Court is of the view that the deputy cannot commit a criminal act by giving up the deputy's mandate," he added.

According to the police, the three were offered lucrative managerial posts in the state-run companies Czech Railways, Czech Aeroholding and Cepro, which made them leave parliament.

At present, former head of Necas's office Jana Nagyova, whom he later married, is also facing charges in the same case.

Roman Bocek, a deputy of Fuksa when he was agriculture minister, is also prosecuted over the case. Nagyova and Bocek are suspected of having incited Necas to promise the bribes.