France News

French former PM Dominique de Villepin on trial

Tuesday, 22 September 2009

French former PM Dominique de Villepin on trial

The former prime minister of France, Dominique de Villepin, is in court on Monday to answer charges of plotting in the past against French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

It is claimed by the prosecution that Mr de Villepin had attempted to influence a judicial investigation and to ruin Mr Sarkozy's chances of being the winner of the presidential election in 2007.

Mr de Villepin could get as much as five years in prison and a 45,000 euro (£41,000) fine if he is convicted of the charge.

Mr de Villepin’s trial is being held in the Grande Chambre of the Palais de Justice next to Notre Dame cathedral in Paris.

Although he is named as the victim of De Villepin’s alleged wrongdoings, President Sarkozy will not have to give evidence.

Mr de Villepin has denied that he did anything wrong.

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