French court acquits former French PM in slander trial over alleged role in Sarkozy smears
By APThursday, January 28, 2010
Court acquits former French PM in slander trial
PARIS — A French court has acquitted former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin on charges related to his alleged role in a smear campaign against President Nicolas Sarkozy.
De Villepin was once one of Sarkozy’s biggest rivals, but the trial tarnished his political fortunes. Thursday’s acquittal paves the way for de Villepin to try to return to the world of politics, including a possible run for the presidency in 2012.
Lawyers for de Villepin had asked for his acquittal on charges of complicity in slander and forgery. The prosecution had recommended an 18-month suspended sentence and a fine of euro45,000 ($67,370) for Villepin.
Several of the other defendants were found guilty on various charges.
