2023-12-15 13:52:37
Alongside Pierre Legros, we also find lawyer Emmanuel Carlier. Contacted, he agreed to recall the observation mission. Interview:
– #Investigation : the defense of the Sahrawi accused and several reports describe this trial as scandalous. But the observation mission of which you were part says the opposite. For what ?
– Me Emmanuel Carlier : We were not there to give an opinion on the merits of the case. At the time, it seemed to me that all parties were able to express themselves freely.
– #Investigation : Me Pierre Legros declared that you were mandated by the Moroccan authorities…
– Me Emmanuel Carlier : Yes. We was happy to be there. We stayed in a nice hotel, the restaurants were paid. It didn’t last very long.
– #Investigation : Were you paid for this observation mission?
– Me Emmanuel Carlier : As a lawyer, you never reveal your fees. If we were paid, it was very symbolic.
– #Investigation : by what authority precisely?
– Me Emmanuel Carlier : the Ministry of the Interior… (He hesitates) I no longer know by whom precisely. It’s been six or seven years.
– #Investigation : Knowing this, do you understand that some people question your independence?
– Me Emmanuel Carlier : Oui. More cThis should not be taken as a means to discredit our observation mission. This trial was only a reflection of the geopolitical problem between Morocco and Algeria on the Western Sahara issue. Each observer had his own affinities, whether with Morocco or Algeria. There was no independence on either side.
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#Investigation #Belgian #lawyers #discreetly #defend #interests #Morocco