Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Former French President Jacques Chirac leaving his office in Paris yesterday. AP Photo/Thibault Camus
France
Corruption trial of former French President Jacques Chirac delayed
Judge delays trial for months after defence lawyer for one of the nine other defendants introduced technical argument against the hearing.
A FRENCH JUDGE HAS DELAYED the long-anticipated trial in which popular former French President Jacques Chirac is accused of corruption during his time as mayor of Paris.
The case has already taken 16 years to get to court.
The trial opened yesterday, but will now be delayed for months, France24 reports.
The move came after a defence lawyer for one of the other nine defendants argued that it was unconstitutional to combine two cases from Chirac’s time as mayor into a single trial, the BBC reports.
The lawyer also argued that a key complaint in the case was made too long ago to be considered for trial now.
Chirac served as the mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995 and is the first French leader to face criminal charges since World War II. He is accused of misusing public finances to fund his party.
Judge Dominique Pauthe said the trial is rescheduled for 20 June.
- Includes reporting from the AP
have your say