The Paris Court of Appeal has rejected the request of Minister of Culture Rachida Dati to recognize the limitation period and end the corruption prosecutions against her in the Carlos Ghosn affair. Dati's lawyers, Olivier Pardo and Olivier Bluche, announced their intention to appeal to the Court of Cassation, emphasizing their belief that the law supports their case. They stressed that this decision does not prejudge Dati's innocence.
Rachida Dati has been under investigation since July 2021 for corruption and passive influence peddling. The allegations involve her receiving 900,000 euros from RNBV, a Renault-Nissan subsidiary, without providing real work between 2010 and 2012. The investigation also aims to determine if this fee agreement was used to conceal lobbying activities in the European Parliament, which is prohibited for elected officials.
Carlos Ghosn, the former automobile magnate, has been subject to an international arrest warrant since April 2023. Both Ghosn and Dati deny any wrongdoing. Dati's defense previously raised the statute of limitations in 2021, but it was rejected. They renewed their request based on 'new, fundamental elements,' which was also dismissed by investigating judges due to the expiration of the six-month time limit from the indictment.
The Paris Court of Appeal's decision means that Dati could face trial before the criminal court if the statute of limitations is further set aside. The investigations concluded in September 2023, and the National Financial Prosecutor's Office is expected to issue its final indictment soon. The investigating judges will then decide whether to proceed with a trial. If Dati's appeal succeeds, the proceedings against her will be terminated.
- The case against Rachida Dati has been ongoing since 2021, with significant legal maneuvers and appeals. Her defense team has consistently argued for the statute of limitations, citing judicial evidence and new procedural elements.
- The involvement of Carlos Ghosn, who currently resides in Lebanon, adds another layer of complexity to the case. Ghosn's international arrest warrant and his high-profile status have kept the case in the public eye.
- The outcome of the appeal to the Court of Cassation will be crucial in determining whether Dati faces a criminal trial or if the charges against her will be dismissed. The legal proceedings have significant implications for both her political career and the broader context of corruption investigations in France.
