Carla Bruni, the wife of Nicolas Sarkozy, was called to appear before a judge on Tuesday, July 9, in connection with the Takieddine affair.
Carla Bruni was summoned on Tuesday, July 9, for possible charges by the judge investigating the alleged false retractions involving Ziad Takieddine. According to BFMTV, the former first lady is suspected of “concealing witness tampering” and “criminal association with intent to commit fraud in court and corruption of foreign public officials” in this case.
She may be designated as an “assisted witness,” although this outcome seems unlikely. The judge’s summons is following the voluntary hearing she underwent on May 2.
“Save Sarko”
“Save Sarko” was the codename given by some individuals in 2020 for a communication operation aimed at clearing Nicolas Sarkozy of allegations in the Libyan financing case. The plan involved persuading Ziad Takieddine to retract his accusations once morest Sarkozy through media interviews (in Paris Match and a video statement on BFMTV) and an official document sent to French authorities by a notary. Takieddine was promised over 600,000 euros in exchange for his retraction.
Investigators believe that regarding a dozen individuals organized this operation, including Mimi Marchand, a prominent figure in the celebrity press who has close ties to Carla Bruni. Police have looked into Bruni’s involvement based on evidence suggesting her participation in the plan to “Save Sarko” alongside Marchand.
Judicial authorities turned their attention to Carla Bruni following questioning Michèle (Mimi) Marchand, who is linked to the celebrity press and implicated in the case. Marchand claimed that her visits to Sarkozy’s residence were to see her friend, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.
Hidden telephone line
Further investigation by the judge revealed that Carla Bruni deleted all messages exchanged with Mimi Marchand in June 2021 when Marchand was indicted. Bruni is suspected of having a role in coordinating the various individuals involved in the false retraction scheme.
According to AFP, the judge found evidence of a secret telephone line used by Bruni, which allegedly allowed the former presidential couple to receive updates from Marchand on the media operation.
Nested within the ongoing investigation into the Takieddine affair, Carla Bruni, the wife of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, was summoned before a judge on Tuesday, July 9. The judge is considering the possibility of indicting Bruni in connection with the false retractions orchestrated by Ziad Takieddine.
According to reports from BFMTV, Bruni is being investigated for potential charges of “concealment of witness tampering” and “criminal association with a view to preparing the offences of fraud in court and corruption of foreign public officials.” Bruni may also be classified as an “assisted witness,” although this outcome appears unlikely. This summons follows Bruni’s previous voluntary testimony on May 2.
One of the key aspects of the investigation is the “Save Sarko” operation, a covert plan involving various individuals aimed at exonerating Nicolas Sarkozy in the Libyan financing case. The plan sought to persuade Ziad Takieddine to recant his accusations once morest Sarkozy by offering him a substantial sum of over 600,000 euros. The operation involved several key figures, including Mimi Marchand, a prominent figure in the celebrity press and a close acquaintance of Carla Bruni.
The investigation into Bruni intensified following authorities uncovered evidence suggesting her involvement in facilitating communications between the parties involved in the false retraction scheme. Specifically, investigators noted that Bruni had erased all text messages exchanged with Mimi Marchand following the latter’s indictment in June 2021. Additionally, it is believed that Bruni maintained a secret telephone line to receive updates from Marchand regarding the progress of the media operation.
Furthermore, the judge overseeing the case has identified potential links between Bruni, Marchand, and other individuals implicated in the scheme. The investigation into Bruni’s role in the affair continues to unfold as new evidence emerges.
In conclusion, the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the Takieddine affair and the alleged involvement of Carla Bruni shed light on the complex web of connections and actions that underpin high-profile cases. As the investigation progresses, more details may come to light, providing further insight into the extent of Bruni’s involvement in the affair.
By Vincent Vantighem with Magali Rangin.
