Mr de Villepin’s trial began on Monday in relation to the "Clearstream" affair in which it is claimed that he attempted to manipulate the results of the 2007 election for a new president by smearing the name and reputation of Nicolas Sarkozy and thus to spoil his chances.
Because he is president of France, Mr Sarkozy does not have to appear in court, and it may now be argued that the French leader is using his political status to pervert the course of justice.
De Villepin is charged with "complicity in false accusation, complicity in using forgeries, receipt of stolen property and breach of trust" and could get as much as five years in jail if convicted.
