Parliament to vote on giving Parkanová up for prosecution

Deputies in the lower house have votes to strip former defence minister Vlasta Parkanová of her immunity, opening the way for prosecution. The motion was supported by 117 of the 176 MPs present with 45 against. Ms Parkanová is suspected of abuse of public office and breach of trust in connection with a questionable 3.5 billion crown purchase of CASA military transport planes while she served as defence minister in 2009. Independent assessments have spoken for and against the former defence minister. Ms Parkanová herself has said her conscience is clear. Since 1993, 18 MPs have been stripped of immunity at the request of the police, with the current parliament having given up a record five.