Jean-Baptiste Bladier, the public prosecutor of Meaux, said he was “furious” to see precious hours wasted in this way, “to the detriment of the litigants”. The absence of the defender of the ex-spouse of MP Ersilia Soudais forced the court to postpone the trial of the accused of moral harassment. Incidentally, we learned that this man, first accused of rape, is suing the elected official for slanderous denunciation.
“We’re planning a half-day hearing and the lawyer isn’t there! » The prosecutor’s acid tone gives the measure of his irritation. “We wrote to him four months ago to ensure that he will be free, and he does not come on the grounds that he is pleading in the Assize Court,” adds Jean-Baptiste Bladier, who appeals “to the code of ethics of the profession: the lawyer does not take on a file if he cannot handle it.” Trials before the criminal court are generally scheduled for a long time. The targeted Parisian counsel, Me Yassine Bouzrou, must have known for a long time that he would be unavailable this Thursday, December 19. However, he warned the magistrates at the last moment when their time was limited, preventing them from adding other cases to the list.
But since the accused is present, the head of the prosecution opposes the postponement of the proceedings. Damien, ex-friend of parliamentarian Ersilia Soudais (La France insoumise) pales at the stand. Gray jacket, black jacket over white shirt, blue tie matching the jeans, the 36-year-old LFI municipal councilor is answerable for moral harassment and deterioration of the living conditions of the elected official of the same age. Prevention extends from 1is August 2021 to March 3, 2024, she reports malicious phone calls and SMS messages, “coping due to her jealousy, constant pressure”, tells us Me Camille Guillard, who replaces her colleague Jade Dousselin. Ersilia Soudais is not there: “She is particularly affected, she was recommended not to appear due to the probable dismissal. »
Summons for slanderous denunciation after rape complaint
For the moment, it is not acquired. In a toneless voice, which contrasts with his imposing build, Damien says he hopes “not to be judged without Me Bouzrou”. Me Guillard is in favor of a postponement “even if we were ready”. She doesn’t like the situation, from a stronger “the slanderous denunciation summons” that her colleague had issued against Ms. Soudais “in Paris,” she revealed to the magistrates. I hope this is not a delaying tactic.”
The procedure initiated by Damien C. targets the initial accusation of the elected official. On March 5, her companion was arrested and placed in police custody following the rape complaint filed by Ersilia Soudais. According to her, the crime occurred on the night of February 29 to 1is March at the home of the couple, already in conflict, in Villeparisis (Seine-et-Marne).
The Meaux prosecutor had entrusted the investigation to the Melun PJ. The day of his arrest, the affair had a national impact, leading to the publication of the name of Damien, who always contested the facts. These having ultimately not been demonstrated, Jean-Baptiste Bladier closed the complaint without further action. However, he retained the offense of moral harassment which, for his part, seems characterized due to the written records and testimonies. The expert noted Damien’s “control” over the parliamentarian and the “acute state of stress” that she developed.
But she will now have to answer for slanderous denunciation since the accusation of rape against the LFI activist had consequences on her life.
“We’re losing six hours, I’m disillusioned! »
This December 19, the head of the prosecution confirmed his opposition to the postponement of the debates: “We have no certainty that this lawyer [Yassine Bouzrou] will be here next time because of its media surface. » Damien’s breathing is short.
President Mélanie Leduc announces that two other hearing cases are also the subject of referral requests. “We’re losing six hours, I’m disillusioned!” », laments Mr. Bladier. However, considering the state of health of Me Florence Deschamps, flu, masked, voiceless, it agrees that the case of Laura, suspected of violence against her 8-year-old son, cannot be examined. On the other hand, he believes that Kenzo, who refused his extraction from the Fleury-Mérogis penitentiary center, must be judged, even if his counsel also failed. “He has not appeared since November 3,” notes the president. The file is called for the third time.
The judges retire to deliberate. Unsurprisingly, Damien benefits from a deadline until May 21. “Tell your lawyer that we make ourselves available if we decide to support someone,” invites Mélanie Leduc. He nods, thanks. Me Deschamps is sent back to bed, she will plead for Laura in February.
But no reprieve for Kenzo, a 30-year-old, 15 of whom were devoted to delinquency. By increasing the number of burglaries and violence, he is eligible for release in 2033. His thefts of jewelry, cars, bank cards and computers are listed; his criminal record “as long as a day without bread” (the prosecutor) is dissected. The afternoon is not completely wasted. One of the victims renounces her claim as a civil party because, she writes, “justice is rotten, it releases the criminals”.
“This tedious file having been perfectly summarized by the president”, Jean-Baptiste Bladier does not elaborate. He requires two acquittals and a three-year sentence for the four other offenses.
The court follows the requisitions.
The hearing adjourns at 4:30 p.m. Never before seen in correctional facilities in Meaux.
