LA PAZ, Feb 9 (NNN-PRENSA LATINA) -This week is decisive for a Bolivian anti-corruption law currently deliberated in the Senate.

The proposed legislation is called “Marcelo Quiroga Santa Cruz” honouring the Bolivian Socialist Party founder.

Vice president and president of the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, Alvaro Garcia explained that once approved, the regulation would try with equal severity those who have taken advantage of the State’s resources, currently doing so or in the future.

In a statement to state-run Radio Patria Nueva-Bolivia TV network, Garcia said the law would put an end to the idea that the government is a factory of new rich people and will severely punish those who dare to divert public funds in their personal interest.

“This law defends the State and society. It is very strong and drastic and that is the only way to show a sign to change people’s mentality and behaviour,” he said.

The regulation establishes procedures to prevent, investigate, try and punish corruption acts by public servants as well as to recover the State’s heritage through the relevant jurisdictional authorities.

Besides, the law does not accept immunity or any kind of privilege and it will be applied retroactively.

The person who robs the State must be considered a criminal and thus punished, no matter what their political affiliation, Garcia stressed.

The Bolivian Senate will also analyse this week a temporary law on election of judicial authorities, he added. — NNN-PRENSA LATINA

• HANTAVIRUS OUTBREAK IN CHILEAN REGION
• WORLD ORGANIZATION DEMANDS OBAMA TO FREE CUBAN FIVE
• DEATH TOLL FROM BUILDING COLLAPSE RISES TO 17 IN PAKISTAN
• HILDHOOD OBESITY IN MONTSERRAT AN EMERGING PROBLEM
• KIDNAPPED IRANIAN PILGRIMS FREED IN SYRIA