French Justice Minister Acquitted in Landmark Conflict of Interest Trial

French Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti has been acquitted by a special tribunal in a conflict of interest case, becoming the first sitting French justice minister to stand trial. The case involved allegations of misusing his position to settle scores with opponents from his legal career. Dupond-Moretti has faced controversy during his tenure, including allegations of sexist remarks and offensive gestures. The trial focused on administrative inquiries into three judges who had ordered the examination of phone records, including Dupond-Moretti's, in an investigation into former president Nicolas Sarkozy. While technically facing potential prison time and fines, the prosecutor recommended a one-year suspended sentence.