this trial is not “a victory”, according to the lawyer for the two magistrates’ unions who filed the complaint

“It’s not about claiming victory,” declared Monday, November 6 on franceinfo Christophe Clerc, lawyer for the Magistrates’ Union and the Magistrates’ Union. They filed a complaint in the case of “illegal taking of interests” against the Minister of Justice Éric Dupond-Moretti, whose trial opens in the afternoon before the Court of Justice of the Republic (CJR).

According to him, however, it is a trial “exceptional”. “It is the continuation of this great movement of magistrates who, three years ago, in more than half of the jurisdictions, spoke out against what they considered to be illegal conflicts of interest”. For Christophe Clerc, “the importance and what the magistrates’ unions are asking for is respect for the law.” “We fully respect the presumption of innocence,” added the lawyer.

“Equality of arms is not respected”

Asked about the fact that the minister will remain in office during his two weeks of trial before the CJR, Me Clerc assures that “the magistrates’ unions have always said that they did not have to comment on these questions” because “these are political issues which must be assessed politically under the control of the government and the President of the Republic”.

Finally, the plaintiffs’ lawyer believes that during this trial, “what is significant is that because of the rules which form the basis” of the Court of Justice of the Republic, “Civil parties cannot plead or question witnesses”. “The fundamental principle of equality of arms is not respected in our regard”he finishes.