Greece amends constitution to net corrupt politicians

ATHENS: Greek lawmakers on Friday held a second vote on changes to the country´s constitution, aiming to facilitate the prosecution of corrupt politicians. The revisions must now be reconfirmed by parliament after the next election which is scheduled for October.

Parliamentarians agreed to amend safeguards shielding ministers and MPs from prosecution, which have proved a major stumbling block in pursuing several high-profile graft cases dating back to the early 2000s.

"Today we conclude the first phase of a key parliamentary procedure," Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told the chamber. "We feel this constitutional revision is particularly critical," he said. Judicial officials are currently investigating alleged kickbacks to conservative and socialist ex-ministers from Swiss pharma multinational Novartis and German engineering giant Siemens. A 2003 case linked to bribes allegedly paid for a navy frigate upgrade is also under investigation.