Eric Dupond-Moretti takes his own defense, Tuesday November 7, on the second day of his trial. The ex-lawyer, appointed Minister of Justice in July 2020, is being questioned before the Court of Justice of the Republic, which is judging him for “illegal taking of interests”. “I understood that whatever I might say, deep down, the mass is said”declared the current Minister of Justice. “In reality I very quickly understood that we didn’t really want to hear any voice other than that of the prosecution,” added Eric Dupond-Moretti, first serving Minister of Justice to be tried. Follow our live stream.
“This trial is an infamy.” During the first day of the hearing, Monday, Eric Dupond-Moretti warned that he would defend himself “firmly” against the “lies, untruths and insults”. “For me and for my loved ones, this trial is an infamy”launched the Minister of Justice at the bar. “It’s of course a challenge, but it’s also a relief because I came to defend myself”he added, arguing that we had “trampled [sa] presumption of innocence”.
Around twenty witnesses called to testify. Around twenty witnesses will be called to the stand during the trial, which is scheduled to last until November 16. Among them, the former Minister of Justice Nicole Belloubet, present in the room at the opening of the hearing, the former Prime Minister Jean Castex or the former attorney general at the Court of Cassation, François Molins.
Two separate cases. Eric Dupond-Moretti is suspected of having used his position as Minister of Justice to settle scores with magistrates with whom he had conflicts during his career as a lawyer. He faces five years of imprisonment, a fine of 500,000 euros and an additional penalty of ineligibility and prohibition from holding public office.