Chirac graft trial opens in Paris

The corruption trial of Jacques Chirac began in Paris on the 5 September 2011, although the question of whether the former French president would appear in person before the court was undecided as judicial authorities deliberated over whether he was fit to stand trial.

The case is the first prosecution for corruption of a former head of state under the Fifth Republic. Mr Chirac was twice prime minister and twice elected president.

France24 reported that the court ruled later on the 5 september 2011 that that the embezzlement trial of Jacques Chirac could go ahead despite the former French president being absent from proceedings on medical grounds.

ESO: Background information: Chirac poised to avoid graft trial http://www.europeansources.info/record/chirac-poised-to-avoid-graft-trial/

The Local.fr, 5.9.11: Trial opens for 'medically unfit' Chirac http://www.thelocal.fr/1047/20110905/

France24, 5.9.11: Court rules Chirac trial can continue in his absence http://www.france24.com/en/20110905-jacques-chirac-graft-corruption-ump-trial

BBC News, 5.9.11: Jacques Chirac's trial opens in his absence in Paris http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14782569

Deutsche Welle, 5.9.11: Health concerns keep Chirac from start of embezzlement trial http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15365339,00.html

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