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By Eskinder Michael - Capital
22 February 2007
Yitayew Tiruneh, CUD Member and Member of Parliament was arrested on Wednesday February 14, 2007 at the Kirkos Sub-City Police Station after being indicted for alleged rape.
Yitayew was stripped of his immunity when the House of People’s Representatives convened last Tuesday February 6, 2007. The House stripped Yitayew of his immunity after it had received complaints that the MP had allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl.
His immunity was revoked so that he could be tried for the rape case only. His immunity against being prosecuted for other cases still stands.
The MP had voiced his concern over the allegation saying that it was some sort of attack on his status. It was stated that the accused entered the house of the victim located in the Kirkos Sub-City Kebele 02 at 8:00 in the morning and allegedly performed the act.
The victim had reportedly presented a letter to the HPR saying that he hadn’t raped her, but so far the letter hasn’t worked in his favor.
Ato Worku, another MP, contested the decision by the parliament saying that the victim was actually not 15 years old, but 18 and that she had been married while living in rural Ethiopia.
He also said that this was supported by a police report.