In Belgium, there is an “exception to investigation confidentiality”, which allows a Prosecutor to summarise the case to the press or public. This is according to Pierre Chomé, a professor on penal law at the ULB. “The defence doesn’t like this of course, but hoping to get compensation for it seems like pushing the boat out”, he added.
In other words, the complaint that Salah Abdeslam’s lawyer, Sven Mary, plans to submit against Paris Prosecutor François Molins could lead to nothing.
According to several newspapers, Sven Mary has accused the French Prosecutor of reading part of his client’s questioning during a press conference in Paris. François Molins explained that Salah Abdeslam told Belgian investigators he was present during the events in Paris, and that “he was supposed to blow himself up in the Stade de France, but changed his mind”. Sven Mary says that these comments breach his client’s rights.
“In Belgium, an authorisation under the Franchimont law, that lays out the prosecution process, allows a Prosecutor to summarise a case in front of the press or public. The defence doesn’t like this, of course, but this could proportionality counter the arguments put forward”, said Pierre Chomé.
He added that the complaint Sven Mary submitted on Monday could be submitted in France, and even turned against the French State if the Paris Prosecutor has immunity, like in Belgium.
Salah Abdeslam will appear in front of the Brussels Council chamber on Wednesday.
t (Source:Belga)
