Rachida Dati Slams Magistracy After Corruption⁣ Referral

Paris, France – Rachida Dati, the current Minister of‍ Culture and former Minister of Justice, launched a scathing attack ⁢on the French magistracy⁤ Tuesday evening, following⁢ her ‍referral to trial for alleged corruption and influence peddling. ⁢the outspoken minister,who previously ‍held ⁢the prestigious “Keeper ‍of the seals” title,did not hold back her criticism on the LCI television channel,directly addressing the magistrates who ‍made‍ the decision on the same day.

Dati’s referral comes alongside⁤ that of former Renault-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, who is also facing⁢ charges related to‍ corruption and influence trafficking. The accusations against ‍Dati stem from suspicions ⁣that she received €900,000 between 2010 and 2012 for⁣ consulting services. A fee agreement was reportedly signed with RNBV, a subsidiary of⁢ the Renault-Nissan⁢ Alliance, on October 28, 2009. though,investigators allege that Dati,who was a European lawyer and deputy during that period (2009-2019),did‍ not perform ⁤the work for which she was paid.

“Justice That Has Sometimes Behaved Badly”

During her appearance on LCI, Dati, a trained magistrate‍ herself,‍ vehemently ⁢criticized her peers. She accused them of disregarding the rights of the defense and perpetuating “serious attacks” against individuals. Dati expressed her frustration with what‍ she described as “justice that has sometimes behaved badly towards some of (s)” and highlighted the actions of certain magistrates ⁤who, in her view, are failing ⁣to adhere to‍ procedural codes in their work.

Insinuation of a Political Maneuver Ahead of Municipal Elections

Adding a layer ⁣of⁤ political intrigue, Dati suggested‍ a potential timing issue with the referral, hinting at a possible political motive. She pointed out the ⁣”coincidence in terms of⁢ calendar” with her ⁣upcoming ⁣bid for a position at the Paris City Hall. “There is an inauguration ⁢commission next⁤ Monday with regard to the constituency in which the town hall of the 7th (arrondissement ⁢of‍ Paris) is concerned and today, I receive a referral order,” she stated. Dati drew⁣ a parallel to 2019,when the examination‍ was opened precisely when she was declared a candidate for the Paris City Hall. “I put this on the ⁤table,” she emphasized, implying a deliberate ‍timing of the legal proceedings.

Dati Remains in Government

Despite the serious allegations and her public denunciation of the judicial system, ⁣the entourage of President Emmanuel Macron confirmed⁢ that Rachida Dati “continued (vai) t her work in government.” This statement indicates that⁤ she will retain her ministerial portfolio as Minister of Culture amidst the ongoing legal proceedings.

Sources close to the case revealed that a preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 29, ⁣with the aim of setting a date for the trial. ⁤Further reports from two sources close to the file ⁤suggest that a trial could‍ potentially take place after the municipal elections, which are slated for March⁣ 2026.