Guinea parliament to probe deaths in protests
Source: Reuters
CONAKRY, May 20 (Reuters) - Guinea's parliament voted to set up a commission of enquiry into the death of some 150 civilians in three strikes which have rocked the West African country in the last year, state television said on Sunday. Politicians said the year-long commission, with an independent budget and police personnel, could include union leaders, heads of rights groups and members of the security forces. "This is about shining a light on all the crimes committed by the military and civilians," said Justice Minister Paulette Kourouma. The European Union and human rights groups had called on Guinea, the world's largest bauxite exporter, to appoint a commission of enquiry after security forces had fired on crowds of protesters during the opposition-led strikes. The demonstrations, which were followed this month by army protests over pay, shook the grip on power of Guinea's reclusive septuagenarian President Lansana Conte, who was forced to appoint a consensus prime minister, pledge to tackle graft and improve living standards.
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