JURDI acknowledges the decision to close the case without further action taken on April 8 by Mr. Rémy Heitz, Attorney General at the Court of Cassation, concerning the report made by JURDI against Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, for the offense of spreading false news.
JURDI is, however, surprised by the legal justifications invoked, which concern both the material and moral elements of the offence.
The prosecutor's office believes that« the material element of the offence does not appear to be established, therefore that Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, in response to a question from a member of parliament, merely... condemning "the outrageous and reprehensible remarks of Ms. Francesca Albanese," without repeat or personally disseminate the disputed remarks. »
However, even if Mr. Barrot did not recite verbatim the phrase falsely attributed to Ms. Albanese, reading his entire statement clearly shows that he adopted it and contributed to giving it credence, which is in principle sufficient to characterize the offense.
The Attorney General also believes that "it appears impossible to establish Mr. Barrot's bad faith," so the intentional element of the offense is not characterized.
In doing so, the prosecution implicitly admits that Mr. Barrot may have relayed the false news without his knowledge, which seems hardly imaginable, unless one admits on his part a carelessness bordering on incompetence.
JURDI is now awaiting the outcome of its other complaint, this time filed with the Paris prosecutor's office, which targets those who knowingly disseminated false information about Francesca Albanese, including the UN Watch organization, Ms. Caroline Yadan and Ms. Shannon Seban.
JURDI will continue to act to ensure respect for those who carry the voice of international law.
Website www.jurdi.fr Press contact Benjamin Fiorini, Secretary General of JURDI: jurdi.asso@proton.me
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