A drug case, brought to light in the center of Barjac, could have been judged this Monday, January 20 before the Alès criminal court, but a defendant, placed under judicial supervision, decided otherwise. Obviously wrong…
Information reaching the ears of the gendarmes launched investigations which led to the discovery of trafficking in narcotics, mainly cannabis but also cocaine, in the heart of Barjac, a town located in the north of Gard. The alleged dealers have clearly been operating, at least since April, between Place Joseph-Comte and Rue des Glycines. Four suspects, all domiciled in the municipality and aged between 20 and 29, were arrested last week; three were placed in pre-trial detention on January 17, the fourth finding himself under judicial supervision.
The prosecution is against the severance of the case
While everyone is gathered before the Alès criminal court, this Monday, January 20, to be judged in immediate appearance, the latter, unlike the others, requests, as the law authorizes, time to prepare his defense, his counsel, Me Sophie Bonnaud, was not available. From the outset, Quentin Larroque, for the prosecution, is against the severance of the case, is not opposed to this 27-year-old defendant remaining under judicial supervision (he had asked on Friday that he go to a cell, but notes that he appeared at this hearing and therefore thinks that he will be on the stand for his trial) and requests continued detention for his associates.
“I find it lacking in brotherhood,” says Me Mendez
The lawyers of the three detainees are up in arms. Defending one of them, Me Karim Derbal told the judges: “Either you judge him today or you let him out.” “I was not informed of the referral request”takes offense at Me Florence Mendez. “I find it lacking in brotherhood. And it’s easy to ask for dismissal when your client is outside…” “It’s all said!”concludes Me Gilbert Bekale.
-The police come to pick up the fourth defendant
After a period of deliberation, the magistrates of the seat postponed this case to February 17. Until then, they leave the three who were already in prison in prison… and also send to the cell the one who had been placed under judicial supervision at the end of last week. As two officials from the Alès police station approach to take him to the Nîmes remand center, this Barjacois blurts out: “If I had known, I would have asked to be judged directly…”
