Sarkozy 'vilifier' cleared
FORMER French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin was yesterday cleared of trying to destroy Nicolas Sarkozy’s career by linking him to illegal arms dealing.
The three-month trial centred on a forged list of people said to have received bribes linked to arms sales. De Villepin
was accused of conspiring to add Sarkozy’s name to the list just before he stood for president in 2004.
De Villepin, 56, faced an 18-month suspended jail term and a £40,000 fine.
But investigating judges said there was no proof de Villepin had acted illegally.
It clears him to pursue a possible presidential challenge against Sarkozy in 2012.