French reporters probed on suspicion of blackmailing Moroccan kingAugust 29, 2015 - 17:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Two French journalists have been placed under formal investigation after Morocco's King Mohammed filed a complaint accusing them of attempting blackmail by threatening to publish a book about him, a judicial source said, according to Reuters. The king's lawyer, Eric Dupont-Moretti, told RTL radio that Eric Laurent and Catherine Graciet were arrested on Thursday after a police sting in which he said the journalists received a payment and signed a contract for not publishing the book. The French judicial source told Reuters the two freelance journalists, who had previously published a book criticizing the monarch, were placed under investigation on Friday evening and released from custody overnight. Graciet's lawyer Eric Moutet, speaking to BFM TV, urged prudence regarding the accusations. "Conspiracy or not, I don't know," he said. "What is clear is that they were enticed into a trap." Under French law, being placed under formal investigation indicates there exists "serious or consistent evidence" pointing to probable implication of a suspect in a crime. Dupont-Moretti said that during a meeting with a member of the king's entourage the journalists asked for 3 million euros ($3.4 million) not to publish the upcoming book. He said he then filed a complaint with the French prosecutor, and police set up the sting to trap the reporters. Dupont-Moretti did not say what information the new book contained. The pair's first book published three years ago was entitled "The Predator King" and focused on corruption in the Morocco. Photo: Arabroyalfamily.com Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |