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French Justice Minister Under Probe For Alleged Conflict Of Interest
- By The Financial District
- Jul 17, 2021
- 1 min read
French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti has been put under formal investigation in connection with a judicial investigation into alleged conflicts of interest, his lawyers told reporters.
They said they will contest the procedure. Olivier Cousi, one of his lawyers, said on BFM TV that Dupond-Moretti has no reason to resign as he is presumed to be innocent, GV De Clercq, Dominique Vidalon and Ingrid Melander reported for Reuters.
Under French law, a formal investigation means there is "serious or consistent evidence" implicating a suspect. It is one step closer to a trial, but it does not amount to being charged.
The person can be charged at a later date if further evidence emerges against them, or the investigation can be dropped.
Dupond-Moretti was questioned for hours by the Cour de Justice de La Republique, a special court that deals with complaints against serving ministers. In January, the court launched an investigation after an anti-corruption group and three magistrates' unions filed conflict of interest complaints against Dupond-Moretti. The minister claimed the unions were using the allegations of conflict of interest to block his reforms.
