The trial of Minister of Justice Éric Dupond-Moretti for “illegal taking of interests” began this Monday afternoon, November 6. An unprecedented trial since it is the first time in France that a Minister of Justice has been tried while he is in office. Éric Dupond-Moretti is accused of having taken advantage of his position to settle scores with four magistrates with whom he had disagreements when he was a lawyer. During this first day of hearing, Éric Dupond-Moretti spoke briefly, which gave rise to the first skirmish of this trial.
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In a calm but firm voice, Éric Dupond-Moretti immediately denounces “ an illegitimacy trial “…” 20 minutes after my appointment, certain lawyers criticized me for no longer being a lawyer, certain magistrates for having been one”.
To this was added “ a trial of intent », Continues the Minister of Justice.
But regardless of the “untruths”, the “lies” and the “insults”, Éric Dupond-Moretti has held back his blows until now to protect his ministry. Today, the former tenor of the bar hears “ defend oneself with dignity, completely, firmly » and intends to answer all the questions.
That’s good, points out the representative of the prosecution, Rémy Heitz, because during the investigation, he hardly explained himself. The magistrate, who brings the accusation against Éric Dupond-Moretti, speaks after him, which is completely unusual. Rémy Heitz would like to point out that the investigation was, in his eyes, irreproachable and that this matter is serious since, he says, “ it calls into question the integrity of the Minister of Justice “.
Éric Dupond-Moretti’s lawyer protests against this “very useless pre-indictment”. On his chair, behind his table, the Minister of Justice is seething.
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