French reporters probed on suspicion of blackmailing Moroccan kingAugust 29, 2015 - 17:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Two French journalists have been placed under formal investigation after Morocco's King Mohammed filed a complaint accusing them of attempting blackmail by threatening to publish a book about him, a judicial source said, according to Reuters. The king's lawyer, Eric Dupont-Moretti, told RTL radio that Eric Laurent and Catherine Graciet were arrested on Thursday after a police sting in which he said the journalists received a payment and signed a contract for not publishing the book. The French judicial source told Reuters the two freelance journalists, who had previously published a book criticizing the monarch, were placed under investigation on Friday evening and released from custody overnight. Graciet's lawyer Eric Moutet, speaking to BFM TV, urged prudence regarding the accusations. "Conspiracy or not, I don't know," he said. "What is clear is that they were enticed into a trap." Under French law, being placed under formal investigation indicates there exists "serious or consistent evidence" pointing to probable implication of a suspect in a crime. Dupont-Moretti said that during a meeting with a member of the king's entourage the journalists asked for 3 million euros ($3.4 million) not to publish the upcoming book. He said he then filed a complaint with the French prosecutor, and police set up the sting to trap the reporters. Dupont-Moretti did not say what information the new book contained. The pair's first book published three years ago was entitled "The Predator King" and focused on corruption in the Morocco. Photo: Arabroyalfamily.com Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. U.S. doesn’t see Russia as contributing to peace in Caucasus Patel made the remarks when asked about the implications of Russia’s withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh. Up to 1% cashback when shopping on Wildberries with IDBank cards IDBank is launching an exclusive campaign on Wildberries for online shopping enthusiasts. |