Investigation Dismissed in Alexandre Benalla Case
A Paris investigating judge has officially dismissed the investigation into the alleged concealment of evidence linked to the mysterious disappearance of safes belonging to Alexandre Benalla, a former mission officer at the Élysée. This decision, announced by the Paris prosecutor's office, comes six years after the scandal that rocked Emmanuel Macron's presidency. The safes, which reportedly contained weapons and other sensitive materials, were missing during a search of Benalla's apartment in July 2018, coinciding with the onset of the controversy that ultimately led to his conviction for violence.
Closure on a Controversial Chapter
The public prosecutor's office stated that the contents of the safes could not be definitively established, leading to the dismissal order issued on June 27. The investigation did not find sufficient evidence to suggest any intention to obstruct justice. Benalla, who had been sentenced to one year in prison, has maintained that he did not personally manage the safes, suggesting they were removed by someone else. This dismissal marks a significant closure on a chapter that has been scrutinized for potential high-level manipulation within the French government.
Political Fallout and Implications
The political ramifications of this case have been profound, triggering a media frenzy when images of Benalla surfaced during a violent incident on May 1, 2018. The ensuing scandal led to intense scrutiny of Emmanuel Macron's administration, with allegations of top-level cover-ups and misconduct. Despite the dismissal of this particular investigation, the shadows of this scandal continue to loom over Macron's presidency, as the public remains wary of the integrity within the highest echelons of French power.
