French Justice Minister Faces Trial for Alleged Abuse of Power

French Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti is on trial for allegedly using his position to settle personal scores, marking the first time a government minister has been tried while in office. Dupond-Moretti, who denies wrongdoing, faces charges of illegal conflict of interest and could receive up to five years in prison and half a million euros in fines if convicted. The trial has raised concerns about checks and balances in French democracy, as Dupond-Moretti has refused to resign or step aside from his role overseeing the justice system during the trial. Critics argue that serving government ministers should be tried in traditional courts instead of a special court with its own rules.