Word: trialing
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...trial is far from certain. Paris prosecutor Jean-Claude Marin has already advised that the charges be dropped as groundless. Under French law, he now has several weeks to petition an appeals court to overturn Simeoni's ruling - a move he looks certain to make since he previously told the judge he believed the evidence against Chirac was too weak to take to trial...
...magistrate Xavière Simeoni is the first to come even close to prosecution. The conclusion of Simeoni's nearly decade-long inquiry marks a dramatic moment for the nation - if the case does go to court, Chirac would be the first former head of state to stand trial since collaborationist leader Phillipe Pétain after World War II. He would also be the first ever to face a corruption trial. (See pictures of World War II movies...
...does Chirac's prosecution have much support among France's politicians - both on the right and left. Conservatives point out that the allegations are 15 years old and say a trial only risks sullying the image of a 76-year-old man still considered to be among the most popular public figures in France. According to a survey conducted earlier this month by the Ipsos polling company, Chirac enjoys a 76% approval rating. (Read: "Mon Dieu! Chirac More Popular Than Sarkozy...
...Many leftists who once vilified Chirac as sleazy and a political street brawler also see putting him on trial as unnecessary. "Jacques Chirac doubtless has a lot to answer for if justice authorities are pursuing him, but he's also given a lot for this country," former Socialist presidential candidate Segoléne Royal and long-time Chirac detractor said on Europe 1 radio Friday morning. "Today, he's a man who deserves to be left alone." Socialist Party spokesman Benoît Hamon also voiced concern about a trial. "There are laws to uphold, but it's true...
...There's still a chance that Chirac won't see the inside of a courtroom, given the likelihood that Marin will appeal Simeoni's decision to send the case to trial. Even if the appeal is granted, however, it seems unlikely Chirac would try to use his hot air line again...