The trial of the former judge of Monaco turns to that of Dupond-Moretti
Moist atmosphere in front of the Superior Council of the Judiciary. Sticky. Heavy like the hot air that invaded this room of the Paris courthouse where a painting by Napoleon Emperor still stands. Funny decoration in a republican judicial enclosure, but not so anachronistic as that this Wednesday, August 31, since the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM) judges a former French magistrate seconded to the monarchy of Monaco.
Édouard Levrault, examining magistrate with an irreproachable career and dithyrambic ratings, faces the twelve judges (7 magistrates and 5 personalities designated by the President of the Republic and the presidents of the two assemblies) composing the formation of the CSM. Its president, Christophe Soulard, has been the first president of the Court of Cassation since July, this is the first time that he has chaired this body. Prosecuting authority, Paul Huber, the director of judicial services, will support the accusation against the judge.
In his beige suit, Édouard Levrault is also hot. Not just air temperature. But of everything he plays in this long day of hearing. His reputation as a magistrate first. His passion for justice, which follows as soon as he speaks. And in a word, his honor. Moist atmosphere, finally, because of the two shadows that hover over this audience. That of the corruption rooted in the heart of the rump state of Monaco around its Prince; And that of the former lawyer of one of the Rocher police officers, long in the viewfinder of the judge: Éric Dupond-Moretti, suspected by the defense of Édouard Levrault of having abused his functions to order disciplinary proceedings that look like “retaliations”as the magistrate’s lawyer, Me François Saint-Pierre, pleads in canon. “This corruption makes me the target”summarizes Édouard Levrault.