A Paris judge is expected to deliver a verdict Thursday in the corruption trial of former French President Jacques Chirac.

Prosecutors have charged Mr. Chirac with abuse of power and embezzlement while mayor of Paris between 1977 to 1995.

Nine others have also been implicated in the case.

Mr. Chirac is accused of paying members of his political party with city funds by creating bogus municipal jobs for them.

Mr. Chirac, who is the first French leader to go on trial in decades, did not attend court proceedings because of health issues.

He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $196,000 fine if convicted of the charges.