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Court Finds Flaws in Corruption Inquiry Against Chirac
The Appeals Court of Paris Tuesday ruled that corruption inquiries involving French President Jacques Chirac are invalidated by procedural flaws and replaced judge heading the inquiry by another magistrate.
Eric Halphen, who headed investigations against Chirac over alleged illegal party financing during 1977-1995 when Chirac was the mayor of Paris, was replaced by Armand Riberolles.
"During the investigations, illegal and irregular methods were used. The judge is not competent for the case," said the court.
Halphen summoned Chirac for testimony in April over allegations that the latter's Rally for the Republic party (RPR in French) received illegal kickbacks in contracts for building low-cost housing in Paris and many members of the party were paid for fictitious jobs by private firms and the Paris town hall.
Chirac, who had repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, rejected the summons citing presidential immunity and the case was then referred to the appeals court.
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