Probe of Chirac Reportedly Dropped
A judge investigating a corruption scandal centered on Paris’ City Hall has dropped his probe of President Jacques Chirac, despite finding “indications” that the head of state was possibly implicated, news reports and judicial sources said Thursday.
Judge Eric Halphen said in a decision filed Wednesday that pursuing the president is beyond his jurisdiction and that it is up to the special High Court of Justice, judicial sources said, confirming news reports.
The daily Le Monde quoted the decision as saying: “There now exist indications making it probable that Jacques Chirac could have participated, as player or accomplice, in the commission of infractions.”
The case focuses on an alleged kickback scheme centering on City Hall during Chirac’s 1977-95 term as mayor of the capital.
Le Monde said that Halphen could not continue with the case because, according to the French Constitution, a president in office cannot be prosecuted by a regular court.
The High Court of Justice, made up of lawmakers, hears cases of officials suspected of committing crimes while in office.
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