France Begins Formal Inquiry Against Sarkozy

Judge will now determine whether charges should be brought
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 2, 2014 7:01 AM CDT
France Begins Formal Inquiry Against Sarkozy
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy leaves his house in Paris, Wednesday, July 2, 2014.   (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)

After 15 hours of questioning yesterday, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy emerged as the star of his very own formal investigation into allegations that he peddled influence. It's a staggering turn of events Le Figaro calls a "shock wave," and an unprecedented one for a former French president, notes the BBC—particularly as Sarkozy had his eye on a political comeback. Sarkozy appeared before a judge last night; the judge will now determine whether sufficient evidence exists to warrant charges. France also opened formal investigations against Sarkozy's lawyer and a prosecutor. (More Nicolas Sarkozy stories.)

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