Ministers may face blood trial
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.PARIS - The French National Assembly debated yesterday whether to open legal proceedings against two former ministers for the distribution of HIV-contaminated blood products in 1985, writes Julian Nundy.
At the same time, deputies accepted a Senate proposal not to press charges against Laurent Fabius, the Socialist Party first secretary who was prime minister when the unheated and potentially fatal blood concentrates were distributed to haemophiliacs although safe, heated products had become available.
The two ex-ministers who face trial by the High Court, the only body empowered to try politicians for offences committed in ministerial office, are Georgina Dufoix, who was Social Affairs Minister, and Edmond Herve, the Health Minister. Both faced charges under article 63 of the penal code for 'non-assistance to persons in danger', a clause commonly used against passive witnesses to street crime.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments