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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Chirac Must Stand Trial on Corruption Charges

Allegations go back to his days as mayor of Paris

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(AP) – Former French President Jacques Chirac has been ordered to stand trial in an alleged corruption scandal dating back to his time as Paris mayor—a case that caught up with him in retirement once he lost the judicial immunity of France's highest office. A magistrate ordered Chirac, whose 12-year presidency ended in 2007, to stand trial on charges of embezzlement and breach of trust.

The judge's decision today surprised many. The prosecutor's office had requested that the case be dropped, saying the statute of limitations had expired on many of the events in question. A prosecutor could still appeal. Among other things, Chirac is accused of giving members of his inner circle phony jobs on the Paris payroll. If convicted, the 76-year-old faces up to 10 years in prison and hefty fines.

Former French President Jacques Chirac in a 2001 file photo.
Former French President Jacques Chirac in a 2001 file photo.   (AP Photo/Srdjan Ilic-File)
Former French President Jacques Chirac in a 2008 file photo.
Former French President Jacques Chirac in a 2008 file photo.   (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)
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my-name-here
Oct 30, 09 10:30 AM CDT
A functioning democracy prosecuting a corrupt, former, top official? That couldn't happen here in the states! It seems we love our officials corrupt. Lying, cheating, thievery, hell, even pointless killing. All committed and gotten away with scott-free. NOBODY does it better than we do. Reply
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Wonka
Oct 30, 09 11:13 AM CDT
Those crazy European countries with their insane "socialist" ideas like prosecuting people that broke the law while in office. No place for that in American, right Republicans? ; )
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Wonka
Oct 30, 09 11:07 AM CDT
Now there's a concept we need to relearn: No one is above the law! So sad that France has the common sense to prosecute people who broke the law while in office, and we don't. God Bless America! Reply
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Jacques Chirac • France • corruption • Paris • mayor • corruption charges

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