  Sarkozy under formal investigation over party funding March 22, 2013 - 09:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ex-French president Nicolas Sarkozy was placed under formal investigation on Thursday, March 21, for "abuse of weakness" in a 2007 party funding case involving elderly L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, the public prosecutor said, according to Reuters. The risk for Sarkozy, unseated May last year but considered a potential conservative candidate in the 2017 presidential race, is that he may end up plagued by suspicion for months or years, even if his lawyer says there is no case against him. Under French law, a formal investigation is the final step before a suspect is accused of a crime. Sarkozy, who only this month hinted he could make a political comeback, repeatedly has denied taking campaign funds from Bettencourt. "Nicolas Sarkozy, who benefits from the presumption of innocence, had been notified that he has been placed under formal investigation for taking advantage of a vulnerable person in February 2007 and during 2007 to the detriment of Liliane Bettencourt," the prosecutor in the southwestern city of Bordeaux said in a statement after a hearing. The 90-year-old Bettencourt is France's richest woman. Sarkozy, who lost last year's election to Socialist Francois Hollande, faced members of her staff at the hearing earlier on Thursday. French TV channel BFM quoted Sarkozy's lawyer Thierry Herzog saying the decision was "incoherent and unjust" and he would appeal. If found guilty, the 57-year-old Sarkozy faces a maximum three-year jail sentence and a hefty fine. Partner news  Top stories Alkhatib said Assad should respond within 20 days and that he should then be given a month to dissolve parliament. Bağış said Istanbul’s unique status as a “peaceful coexistence of all cultures and religions” makes it a vital player in the EU. The agent shot in self-defense in the incident, which occurred at Todashev's house, the law enforcement source said. Only three senators on the committee - Republican Ron Paul and Democrats Tom Udall and Chris Murphy - opposed the bill.   Partner news |  Latest news Australian politician slams Turkey’s Gallipoli ban threat  “I do not have respect for such excessive comments and actions,” Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council said.Microsoft updating YouTube app to comply with Google demands Windows Phone users who've already downloaded the Microsoft YouTube app will lose the video download functionality.Microsoft rolls out 2 new mice for Windows 8 PC users The Sculpt Comfort Mouse and Sculpt Mobile Mouse feature additional functions to make non-tablet usage of Windows 8 easier.Baku opposed to NKR’s participation in Eastern Partnership Forum “The above mentioned NGOs’ participation in the forum is only possible as a part of Azerbaijani delegation,” ANP said. |
