Two members of the secretive Roman Catholic organization Opus Dei went on trial in Paris Thursday on charges of subjecting a follower to more than a decade of forced work. The case came to court after nine years of investigation and centers on Catherine Tissier, who became a follower as a teenager while attending the […]
Two Opus Dei members Go On Trial in France
Posted September 22nd, 2011 at 8:35 pm (UTC-5)
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French Court Fines 2 Women for Breaking Burqa Ban
Posted September 22nd, 2011 at 12:51 pm (UTC-5)
A French court has for the first time fined two Muslim women for wearing full-face veils in public in a case that could have legal implications across Europe. Hind Ahmas was fined $160 in the northern town of Meaux, east of Paris, for flouting the burqa ban Thursday, while Najate Naitali received a fine of […]
France to Withdraw 200 Troops From Afghanistan Next Month
Posted September 22nd, 2011 at 12:31 pm (UTC-5)
France plans to withdraw 200 of its troops from Afghanistan next month. A French military spokesman told reporters in Paris Thursday that a company of soldiers would leave Afghanistan by the end of October. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said that France will pull out 1,000 or a quarter of its troops from Afghanistan by […]
French Prosecutors Request Dismissal of Ex-President Chirac Corruption Case
Posted September 20th, 2011 at 2:20 pm (UTC-5)
French prosecutors have asked a Paris court to dismiss a corruption case against former president Jacques Chirac. Prosecutors argued Tuesday there is not enough evidence to move forward with the case. Mr. Chirac is accused of embezzling public funds between 1977 and 1995, when he was mayor of Paris. He is suspected of creating a […]
Former French Minister Wins Racism Appeal
Posted September 15th, 2011 at 11:10 am (UTC-5)
A French appeals court has overturned the racism conviction of former French interior minister Brice Hortefeux, a close political ally of President Nicolas Sarkozy. The Paris court reversed the ruling Thursday, acquitting him of the charges. Hortefeux, who at the time was France’s top law enforcement official, was caught on camera in 2009 making what […]
Apple Removes “Jew” iPhone App from Stores in France
Posted September 14th, 2011 at 4:10 pm (UTC-5)
The computer firm Apple has removed one of its iPhone apps called “Jew or Not Jew” from stores in France. Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr told VOA Wednesday the app violates local law and is no longer available in France. He added, however, that the application is available on other app stores around the world. The […]
French Anti-racism Group Demands Apple Remove “Jew” App
Posted September 14th, 2011 at 2:00 pm (UTC-5)
A French anti-racism group is demanding that the computer firm Apple remove one of its iPhone apps that is called “Jew or Not Jew,” claiming the application is racist. The app, which is available in the United States and Europe for about $1, is designed to let users know which celebrities or business leaders are […]
Former French Prime Minister Acquitted in Slander Trial
Posted September 14th, 2011 at 4:45 am (UTC-5)
A French appeals court acquitted former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin Wednesday of slander charges. Mr. Villepin had been accused of taking part in a smear campaign targeting French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Mr. Sarkozy and Mr. Villepin are considered political rivals. Political experts believe the slander case has hurt Mr. Villepin’s political future, including […]
Moody’s Downgrades Two Top French Banks
Posted September 14th, 2011 at 4:15 am (UTC-5)
The Moody’s rating agency has downgraded credit ratings for two French banks and issued a warning to a third. Moody’s cut the credit rating Wednesday of Societe Generale and Credit Agricole as worries grew about a possible Greek default. BNP Paribas has been placed on negative watch for possible future downgrade. Moody’s said Credit Agricole’s […]
French FM Fails to Persuade China on Syria
Posted September 13th, 2011 at 6:20 pm (UTC-5)
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe says he has not convinced China to support a tougher United Nations resolution condemning Syria’s crackdown on pro-democracy protests. Juppe met Tuesday in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi and Premier Wen Jiabao for talks on the global economy and bilateral cooperation. After the meeting, Juppe told reporters that […]
