Dumas Alexandre Ashinzwuwera is no longer a member of the Lower Chamber of Parliament, after his colleagues unanimously voted that he loses his seat over misconduct.

A communiqué signed by Augustin Habimana, the Parliament’s Director General of Communication and Outreach says that Ashinzwuwera obstructed a police investigation that was looking into his alleged assault on his brother.

On Monday afternoon, in a closed session, the Lower Chamber spent the whole plenary session discussing Ashinzwuwera’s fate.

Habimana told The New Times that when police officers, on March 30, visited the home of the lawmaker to conduct their investigations, Ashinzwuwera, allegedly attacked and fought the officers, in a bid to deter the investigations.

"Parliament decided that such was unacceptable conduct for someone in his position,” reads the statement.

The lawmaker’s immunity had earlier been temporarily lifted to pave way for investigations.

Ashinzwuwera has 48 hours, from the time he was notified of the decision, to lodge an appeal with the Supreme Court, the only organ that can overturn the decision. 

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