World Bulletin/News Desk

Head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission Rafiq al-Natsheh said Sunday that the case of expelled Fatah movement member Mohamed Dahlan has been referred to the anti-corruption court.

"The court is going to look into Dahlan's case over charges of corruption and illicit gains," al-Natsheh said during a speech at a celebration marking the International Anti-Corruption Day, which was held in Ramallah's Movenpick hotel.

The celebration was attended by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minster Rami Hamdallah and several others senior government officials.

"The Anti-Corruption Commission is determined on investigating corruption suspects wherever they are, and will not accept the protection of any suspect by anyone," al-Natsheh said.

Despite their longtime affiliation through Fatah, Dahlan fell out with Abbas in recent years, prompting the latter to expel him from the movement in 2011.

Dahlan, who has since been a vocal critic of Abbas, is currently based in the United Arab Emirates.

The Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission was established in 2010 by a Palestinian presidential decree. It enjoys administrative and financial autonomy, and specializes in combating financial and administrative corruption. The anti-corruption court is a subsidiary body in the commission and rules in corruption-related cases.