Coronavirus: Philippe, Buzyn and Véran targeted by an investigation into the management of the epidemic

Edouard Philippe and Olivier Véran in Paris on May 25, 2020. AP Photo / Michel Euler, Pool

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Judicial information will be opened Court of Justice of the Republic following dozens of complaints filed by individuals who accuse the former Prime Minister and the two former health ministers of not having done what was necessary to protect the French.

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A first judicial investigation had already been opened a month ago following complaints from individuals. Led by the Paris public prosecutor's office, it targets those responsible for health administration, such as the Director General of Health, Jérôme Salomon.

This time, it is Edouard Philippe, Agnès Buzyn and Olivier Véran who are concerned, namely the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Health who were in office at the time of the crisis. It is therefore the Court of Justice of the Republic which is now in the process.

90 complaints, nine deemed admissible

A total of 90 complaints have been received to date by the CJR, the only body empowered to try members of the government for actions carried out in the exercise of their functions, and 53 of them have been examined. It found nine admissible and decided to consolidate them. Its Commission of instruction will henceforth investigate for "  abstention from fighting a disaster  ".

The complaints to the CJR had begun to be filed a few days after the confinement began in mid-March. They come from individuals, doctors, associations, or even prisoners. The complainants complained, as the case may be, of "endangering the lives of others", "manslaughter", "failure to assist a person in danger" or failure to take timely action to contain the pandemic.

Emmanuel Macron not worried

Chance of the calendar, the announcement of the opening of this investigation coincides with the departure of Edouard Philippe de Matignon. The former Prime Minister nevertheless ensures that he will bring all the necessary answers to the investigators.

Emmanuel Macron is not worried. The head of state cannot in fact be prosecuted for acts carried out during his mandate.

(With AFP )

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  • France
  • Justice
  • Edouard Philippe
  • Health and Medicine
  • Coronavirus