Benzema absent as trial begins over sex tape blackmail
The trial of Real Madrid FC striker, Karim Benzema, started in Versailles on Wednesday.
He is charged with attempted blackmail linked to a sex tape featuring his former France teammate, Mathieu Valbuena.
Benzema was not present in court. His lawyers cited his professional obligations.
He played with Real Madrid in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk in Kyiv the previous night and faces a Spanish League Clasico against Barcelona on Sunday.
The 33-year-old Benzema is accused of being complicit in the attempt to blackmail Valbuena, who was threatened in a phone call in June 2015 with the publication of the video.
Benzema was allegedly involved in “aiding and abetting an extortion attempt.”
He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros ($88,000), according to prosecutors.
Four other men said to be involved in the affair are also charged at the trial expected to last until Friday.
Due to the involvement in the affair, Benzema missed the 2016 European Championship in France, their World Cup win in 2018 and only returned to the national team this summer.
The player’s defence has rejected the allegations and on Tuesday the L’Equipe sports daily again quoted his lawyers demanding he is cleared.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 3
Tinubu appoints heads of NESREA, NDRBDA
He said that the President expected that the new heads of these important agencies to discharge their duties with utmost fidelity to the nation.
Economy
Nigerian Breweries shareholders approve N600 billion capital raise
Mr Hiemstra said that the company also desires to return its business to profitability while creating value for the shareholders.
World
EU to provide another €68 million in aid for Palestinians in Gaza
The EU is also involved in airdropping supplies provided by member states and allies into the sealed-off coastal region.
Anti-Corruption
Yahaya Bello: Court summons EFCC chairman Olukoyede over alleged contempt
Mr Jamil’s order was based on a motion ex-parte filed by Mr Bello through his lawyer, M.S. Yusuf.
Education
Former varsity chancellor calls for mandatory drug tests for lecturers
According to him, it would further sanitise the university system and promote sanctity and academic excellence.
NationWide
FG employing coercive, persuasive measures to tackle illegal mining: Dele Alake
He reiterated that approval for licences would only be given to mining companies that would comply with value addition to mineral resources.
