French Ex-President Chirac's Corruption Trial Suspended
A French judge has suspended the corruption trial of former French President Jacques Chirac until June.
The trial opened on March 8.
Chirac is accused of embezzlement, breach of trust, and conflict of interest, based on allegations linked to his tenure as Paris mayor -- before he became president from 1995 to 2007.
Presiding judge Dominique Pauthe ordered the trial suspended so that constitutional authorities can examine whether certain charges in the case are still admissible despite having taken place nearly two decades ago.
If found guilty, the 78-year-old Chirac could face a 10-year prison sentence and a fine of 150,000 euros.
Chirac, who enjoyed immunity as president until 2007, has denied any wrongdoing.
compiled from agency reports
The trial opened on March 8.
Chirac is accused of embezzlement, breach of trust, and conflict of interest, based on allegations linked to his tenure as Paris mayor -- before he became president from 1995 to 2007.
Presiding judge Dominique Pauthe ordered the trial suspended so that constitutional authorities can examine whether certain charges in the case are still admissible despite having taken place nearly two decades ago.
If found guilty, the 78-year-old Chirac could face a 10-year prison sentence and a fine of 150,000 euros.
Chirac, who enjoyed immunity as president until 2007, has denied any wrongdoing.
compiled from agency reports
