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Saint-Just on Trial: Misuse of EU Funds
Trial of Wallerand de Saint-Just, former FN treasurer, accused of misusing European Parliament funds.
French
France
PoliticsFranceEuropeFinanceTrialFraud
National Front (Fn)European Parliament
Wallerand De Saint-JustBrigitte BardotJean-Marie Le PenMarine Le PenBruno Gollnisch
- What is Saint-Just's defense in this case?
- Saint-Just's defense is that he was unaware of any wrongdoing and that the FN's financial situation was not intentionally manipulated. He claims that he was merely trying to reduce costs and improve the party's finances.
- What evidence is presented by the prosecution?
- The prosecution contends that Saint-Just knowingly participated in a scheme to hire fictitious assistants in the European Parliament, using the funds to alleviate the FN's financial difficulties. Evidence includes emails showing payments to individuals who performed no parliamentary work.
- What are the key issues and accusations in this trial?
- The trial involves accusations of misuse of European Parliament funds, potentially for political party financial gain. The focus is on Saint-Just's role and knowledge of the hiring practices of the FN's European Parliament assistants.
- Who is Wallerand de Saint-Just and what is he accused of?
- Wallerand de Saint-Just, a 74-year-old lawyer, is on trial in Paris for his role as treasurer of the National Front (FN). He is accused of using European Parliament funds improperly to cover the party's debts.
- What is Saint-Just's background and previous legal history?
- Saint-Just's long career as a lawyer, including representing the FN and Brigitte Bardot, is highlighted in the article. He's been previously convicted of related charges, making his defense more difficult.