IN THE HEARING ROOM
"We no longer have a round" and "no intention to flee": for the second time in two weeks, Patrick Balkany came Tuesday to ask his release before the Paris Court of Appeal, after his conviction in the veil laundering of his lawsuit. The mayor LR of Levallois-Perret, in the Hauts-de-Seine, detained at the Paris Prison of Health since September 13, will be set next Wednesday.
RÉCIT - Polars, discussions with the rabbi and the parlor with Isabelle ... prisoner Patrick Balkany's daily life
"Of course, I stand at the disposal of the court for the appeal," he assured the president, adding that he suffered "a lot" and wanted only one thing: out of prison to be with his wife and first assistant, Isabelle. At the end of October, the Paris Court of Appeal granted the first of two release requests filed by the former deputy, sentenced to four years in prison for tax evasion with immediate imprisonment in September, and five years in prison. for aggravated money laundering with a new money order on 18 October.
The Court of Appeal asked for the payment of a deposit of 500,000 euros
For each of his convictions, 71-year-old Patrick Balkany filed for release. In order for him to get out of jail before his appellate trials, the judges must also accept the second motion. Since the two cases are closely related, the first decision should set the tone for the second.
The court of appeal had considered "founded" the request of the elected and ordered his placement under judicial control, with several obligations: do not leave the territory, do not go to Paris and several surrounding departments - including his department of Hauts -de-Seine - but also to set up his residence in Giverny, in the Eure, to point once a week to the gendarmerie, to hand over his passport. This "subject to" the payment of a deposit of 500,000 euros.
The accusation points to a "risk of possible escape"
The prosecution once again opposed his release, again arguing that there was a "risk of possible, probable, and foreseeable absconding" and that it was "important to guarantee his representation at the appeal", the date of which was is not yet known for the money laundering component - the tax evasion component is scheduled for 11 December.
Patrick Balkany's lawyer blasted the "absolutely exceptional" treatment for his client. "He has no reason to flee.What is he going to do? Going on the run alone at 71, while Isabelle Balkany stays quietly at home?" Scolded Me Eric Dupond-Moretti , pleading for "appeased justice" on appeal, with "normal sentences".
Picking up the word after his advice, Patrick Balkany added: "500,000 euros to find is very difficult," he said, listing all the assets and family assets seized. "I fear that despite the brilliant pleading of my lawyer, I have to stay in the hole, because I do not see how to raise this money." Given the "severe" conditions of his judicial review, Me Dupond-Moretti pleaded for a "dry release".