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
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
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.”
NationWide
Aviation unions oppose FG’s plan to abolish 5% ticket, cargo sales charges
Mr Ocheme said that any review of aviation charges must follow transparent statutory procedures.
States
NAFDAC warns Imo patent medicine dealers against selling fake, expired drugs
According to the NAFDAC boss, commercial interests must never justify endangering public health.
Economy
N1,300/$1: Naira would have become worthless without my policy, Tinubu says
Mr Tinubu announced the unification of exchange rates a few days into his administration in 2023.
Lagos
Customs boss decries 20-year abandonment of power equipment at ports
Mr Adeniyi described the abandonment of equipment procured with public funds as irresponsible.
NationWide
2027: INEC chairman restates commitment to improved staff welfare
Mr Amupitan disclosed that the commission had introduced a new salary structure.
NationWide
Atiku sold Nigeria’s assets as VP, will sell country if elected president: Wike
Mr Shaibu challenged the minister to identify the specific national assets Mr Abubakar allegedly sold.
