Skip to main content
France

Corsican nationalist Colonna's appeal rejected

The Court of Appeal in Paris has thrown out a request by defence lawyers for the release of the Corsican nationalist Yvan Colonna, who was jailed for the murder of French official Claude Erignac. The court said that Colonna could go on the run if released and that it would put witnesses’ lives at risk.

Cassation Court in Paris, France
Cassation Court in Paris, France DR
Advertising

Colonna is now scheduled to remain in prison until his third trial due to take place in the summer of 2011, after the country's highest court overturned his sentence in June.

Defence lawyers blasted the verdict saying that they would continue to gather evidence.

“Justice is struggling to triumph over politics,” said Colonna’s lawyer Pascal Garbarini. “The Colonna case is being given special status, taking into account the situation and the different operators involved in this trial.”

Meanwhile public prosecutor, Benoit Chabert expressed satisfaction at the verdict, saying it was motivated by the fact that Colonna had been on the run for four years before being arrested.

“You cannot say to judges ‘have faith in me’ when they have made a mockery of justice for  four years,” said Chabert.

 

Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning

Keep up to date with international news by downloading the RFI app

Share :
Page not found

The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore.