France's ex-president Sarkozy could be tried in 2012 campaign graft caseSeptember 5, 2016 - 16:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, who is making a fresh bid for election next year, could face trial over alleged illegal funding of his failed 2012 campaign, a source in the investigation said Monday, September 5, according to AFP. "Prosecutors are calling for all of those charged to be tried," the source told AFP. An investigating magistrate must now decide whether to follow the prosecution's recommendations. Sarkozy faces allegations of false accounting that allowed him to greatly exceed spending limits in 2012. The case hinges on the activity of public relations firm Bygmalion, which organized some of Sarkozy's campaign appearances and is accused of using a vast system of false accounting. Bygmalion allegedly charged 18.5 million euros ($20.7 million) to Sarkozy's party -- then called the UMP, but since renamed The Republicans -- instead of billing the president's re-election campaign. As a result, the campaign was able to greatly exceed a spending limit of 22.5 million euros, according to the prosecution. 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 | Kazakh Foreign Minister arrives in Armenia Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu on Monday, March 18 arrived in Armenia for a two-day trip. Aliyev touts “good chances” for normalizing ties with Armenia Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has declared that there are “good chances” for normalizing relations with Armenia. Top Armenian, Indian defense officials discuss cooperation The discussions primarily focused on enhancing cooperation in the defence sector between Armenia and India. IDBank unveils three sad stories about fraudsters IDBank has unveiled three scenarios of card fraud that have been happening more and more often in Armenia. |