As part of the “phony diplomas” trial, two years of suspended prison time were requested against Christian Duval, the former director of Sciences Po Aix. The affair was revealed in 2014 by Marsactu and Médiapart: Christian Duval, the director of Sciences Po Aix, then increased partnerships with organizations and training courses in return for funding, with the idea of replenishing the coffers of his establishment. The system extends particularly abroad.
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With our correspondent in Aix-en-Provence, Siam Spencer
Christian Duval had been on trial since February 14 alongside five other people at the Aix criminal court. The bulk of the affair concerns training institutes which at the time benefited from “agreements” with Sciences Po Aix. In total, 765 students are involved, seduced by the promise of a diploma with the stamp of the prestigious school. They will actually receive a master’s degree from the University of Aix-Marseille, AMU, and a certificate from Sciences Po Aix, without any value.
The school will not provide any of the training courses. These partnerships were set up by the director of the establishment at the time, Christian Duval, who defends himself against the fraudulent nature of the diploma: “ We interviewed 17 out of 765. Did 765 complain about anything? No. When a student completes an AMU registration form, they know that they are not at Sciences Po. »
These training courses could cost students up to 8,000 euros, of which around 800 euros were donated to Sciences Po Aix, hence the prosecution for embezzlement. Two years’ suspended prison sentence and a fine of 20,000 euros were requested against the ex-director. “ The judges’ decision will be what it will be. What I mean is that this hearing was an opportunity for me to show that I am not what has been described: a embezzler, a thug », explained the former director of Sciences Po Aix.
Also on the dock were four former employees and the deputy director, Stéphane Boudrandi. The judgment will be pronounced on April 16.