Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009

Prosecutor won't appeal decision to try Chirac

By NICOLAS VAUX-MONTAGNY Associated Press Writer

PARIS (AP) - The Paris prosecutor's office says it will not appeal a decision by an investigating magistrate to order former French President Jacques Chirac to stand trial on embezzlement charges dating back to his 1977-95 tenure as Paris mayor.

The decision, announced Wednesday, means Chirac will be tried for embezzlement and breach of trust in the corruption case.

Judges went after Chirac unsuccessfully for years in various corruption scandals, but he was protected by presidential immunity, which he lost in 2007 at the end of 12 years as president.

Prosecutors had requested dropping this particular case, but the investigating judge decided to pursue it.

The case would mark the first time a former leader of modern France must defend himself in court.

2009-11-04     18:48:34 GMT

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