#European Arrest Warrant, Extradition & Interpol:
The environmental activist Paul Watson, subject of an international arrest warrant issued by Japan, has been arrested in Greenland
On 21 July 2024, the police of Greenland arrested the environmental activist Paul Watson, opposed mainly to whaling. According to his foundation (CPWF), he has been arrested under a Japanese Interpol red notice, for past actions in Antarctic, on his ship in Nuuk, “while refueling to intercept Japan’s new whaling factory ship in the North Pacific.” He will be brought before a court to decide on his detention before ruling on his possible extradition to Japan. > Read article
#Anti-Bribery and Corruption:
Suspected favoritism in Haute-Savoie: Les Gets’ mayor heard in police custody
Henri Anthonioz, mayor of the town of Les Gets in Haute-Savoie, was taken into police custody on 2 and 3 July, along with his first deputy and the city’s general services director. They are suspected of illegal taking of interest, favoritism, unfair competition and interference in a public function in the award of a contract to operate the ski area. In May 2023, a new public service delegation procedure had been opened and then cancelled by the municipality. Nine days after this deliberation, the municipal council authorized the mayor to negotiate this delegation of the ski area with neighboring towns via a procedure that did not require competitive bidding. > Read article
Former deputy Hubert Julien-Laferrière under investigation for corruption
Hubert Julien-Laferrière, former member of parliament for the 2nd Rhône constituency from 2017 to 2024, has been put under investigation on charges of passive corruption and organized influence peddling. In addition, he has been placed under judicial supervision. This indictment is being carried out as part of an extensive investigation regarding foreign interference in the news and politics in France. It is alleged that, in 2022, the MP was paid to promote a cryptocurrency called LimoCoin at the request of lobbyist Jean-Pierre Duthion. This crypto currency was later revealed to be a scam. Last May, Hubert Julien-Laferrière stated that he “firmly denies all the accusations made against” him. The investigations that are being carried out regarding foreign interference in France has led to several other indictments. > Read article
#Criminal Law:
Olympic games: 130 lawyers mobilized for criminal defense
The Paris Bar will mobilize 130 lawyers specialized in criminal defense to address an increase in offenses during the Olympic games. The criminal service is reinforced, particularly for immediate appearances and police custody, with 90 lawyers available in 24-hour shifts, doubling the usual number. A free hotline will be available to provide initial legal assistance, especially for foreign tourists. Additionally, 12 lawyers will be on call to manage activity surges, and the procedure for “guilty pleas” will be strengthened. Lastly, a group of specialized lawyers will volunteer to assist athletes before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. > Read article
Abbé Pierre accused of sexual assault: what the testimonies of seven women have to say
Seventeen years after his death, a report commissioned by Emmaüs France, Emmaüs International and the Abbé Pierre Foundation alleges that Abbé Pierre sexually abused at least seven women. Those interviewed reported the same modus operandi: he touched the victims’ breasts without their consent, then continued his approaches on several occasions. The associations salute the bravery of those who denounced the facts and testified. The priest, known for his commitment to the fight against poverty, precariousness and poor housing, died in 2007, and cannot be prosecuted due to the principle of adversarial proceedings. > Read article
#European Litigation:
ECHR: absence of criminal prosecution for a clearly homophobic attack
The Latvian authorities opened criminal proceedings for “hooliganism”, even though it was undoubtedly a homophobic attack against Mr. Havons and his partner. The investigator and the prosecutor refused to classify the attack as a hate crime due to the lack of its constitutive elements. However, in the judgment of the case Havons v/ Latvia of 18 July 2024, the European Court of Human Rights unanimously confirmed the violation of the right to respect for private life, the prohibition of inhuman treatment and discrimination, observing that the authorities prosecuted a minor crime to impose a more lenient fine on the aggressor, thus fostering hostility towards LGBTI people. > Read article
