Croatia aims to extradite ex PM from Austria

10/12/10 22:33 CET

world news

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The former Croatian prime minister Ivo Sanader is being held by police in Austria over corruption accusations back home.

He was picked up on a main road in the Salzburg area after an international arrest warrant was issued.

Prosecutors in Croatia suspect him of being behind a plan to create slush funds for his conservative party during his time in office.

The former leader was last seen leaving home in Zagreb on Thursday, shortly before parliament lifted his immunity from prosecution.

He is accused of “abuse of office” and of being part of a “joint criminal enterprise”.

Croatian police expect to start extradition proceedings soon. Reports say the process could take several months if he continues to claim that the allegations are politically motivated.

Sanader was prime minister throughout most of the past decade until last year, when he resigned suddenly with no explanation.

Analysts believe the legal moves against him could help Zagreb’s EU membership bid.

Croatia has to convince Brussels of its determination to stamp out corruption before it can conclude entry talks.

More about: Corruption, Croatia, Prime Minister

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