France's former leader Nicolas Sarkozy went on trial on corruption charges today, becoming the first French president to stand as an accused in the dock. Sarkozy and Herzog, who is also on trial, had argued the wiretaps breached client-lawyer privilege but the courts dismissed their complaints. Investigators discovered that Sarkozy used an alias - Paul Bismuth - to buy a phone for secret talks with his lawyer. In exchange, Sarkozy would allegedly use his contacts to try to secure the Monaco post for Azibert, who is also on trial. Herzog faces the same charges as Sarkozy, and a further allegation of violating professional secrecy.

Source: Daily Mail November 23, 2020 13:44 UTC