Paris: The case of ex-French president Jacques Chirac – on charges of misusing public funds during his time as mayor of the city – has opened in his absence in Paris.
Chirac’s lawyers had last week submitted a medical report before the court, explaining that the 78-year-old is in a state of weakness that makes him unable to answer questions about his past, AP reported on Monday.
The lawyers had also asked the court on behalf of Chirac to proceed despite his absence.
The judge faces several options of choosing to suspend the trial until further medical expertise has been provided, proceeding without the defendant, or dismissing the case.
Chirac has been accused of misusing public funds, abuse of trust and incurring illegal gains in a period from 1992 to 1995 when he was the mayor of Paris.
If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of EUR 150,000 (USD 213,400), though analysts say a suspended sentence is more likely in practice.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription