French billionaire senator to face corruption charges with immunity lifted

The French Senate on Wednesday, Feb 12, 2014, lifted immunity for a billionaire senator, Serge Dassault, clearing the way for the prominent industrialist to be charged with alleged vote-buying. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
The French Senate on Wednesday, Feb 12, 2014, lifted immunity for a billionaire senator, Serge Dassault, clearing the way for the prominent industrialist to be charged with alleged vote-buying. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

PARIS (AFP) - The French Senate on Wednesday lifted immunity for a billionaire senator, Serge Dassault, clearing the way for the prominent industrialist to be charged with alleged vote-buying.

The examining magistrates who had requested the lifting of Dassault's immunity from prosecution will now be able to take the 88-year-old into custody for interrogation over allegations dating from his time as mayor of Corbeil-Essonnes, a Paris suburb he has been accused of running like a mafia Godfather.

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