France: Corruption trial of ex-President Sarkozy suspended

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The trial of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been suspended until Thursday after one of his co-defendants requested a delay for health reasons. Sarkozy appeared in court in Paris on Monday.

The ex-head of state is facing charges of corruption alongside his lawyer Thierry Herzog and ex-magistrate Gilbert Azibert, who demanded the trial delay.

After a short hearing, the court suspended the proceedings and deferred a ruling on a potential postponement until Thursday, when a medical report on Mr Azibert is due.

The trial is expected to focus on phone tapping communications between Sarkozy and Herzog in 2014 in which the former president allegedly promised Azibert a promotion for information on an ongoing investigation.

Sarkozy reportedly used the name of Paul Bismuth, a former classmate, during the alleged conversations.

The trio faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of 1 million euros. They have denied all charges.

*SOUNDBITES*

SOT Frederik-Karel Canoy, lawyer of Paul Bismuth (French): "As of right now, with Magistrate Azibert being ill, I, as the civil parties defendant, we asked for supporting documents [to prove his illness]. There will probably be an expert assessment, and [the trial] will be delayed pending expert valuation."

SOT Frederik-Karel Canoy, lawyer of Paul Bismuth (French): "Indeed, we might think that, coincidentally, he is sick, but it is also possible that it is genuine. So there is the benefit of the doubt for this high Magistrate."

SOT Dominique Allegrini, lawyer of Gilbert Azibert (French): "[Azibert] feels like someone who wishes to be able to defend his innocence and his honour that he has been scorned for many years. So I hope he is in the best possible shape to be able to come and defend himself."

SOT Jacqueline Laffont, lawyer of Nicolas Sarkozy (French): "As you have seen and as I said publicly at the hearing, [Sarkozy] is here and waiting to be judged. He is here to be judged."

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