Senegalese lawmakers on Friday revoked an MP’s immunity over charges that he gunned a man down in the street during pre-election clashes in 2011, paving the way for him to stand trial.
Barthelemy Dias, a socialist MP, was filmed firing shots during violent clashes in the capital between supporters of former leader Abdoulaye Wade and current President Macky Sall, allegedly killing a man and injuring others.
Wade lost the vote to Sall two months later.
Dias was charged with murder, assault and illegal possession of a firearm, but used his immunity to protect himself from standing trial.
On Friday MPs voted by a large margin to lift the privilege, after a trial due to begin on October 20 was abandoned.
Dias claimed he was acting in self defence and has denounced a “plot” against him.
