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03.11.2006.

2 November 2006

Journalist to be investigated in Clearstream case

SOURCE: Reporters sans frontières (RSF), Paris

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over the Public Prosecutor's Office's intention to investigate journalist Denis Robert for "possession of confidential material" in the Clearstream affair. The case has repeatedly made headlines since allegations of money laundering and fraud within the Luxemburg-based Clearstream Banking S.A first surfaced in 2002. The office announced its intention on 28 October 2006.

"We are concerned to see this rarely-used charge applied to a journalist. Denis Robert was given [Clearstream's] electronic files, which he then used to shed light on the truth, and not for criminal means. What is important to remember is that [he] was pursuing a legitimate goal," said the organisation.

The Clearstream case has already implicated a number of key players from the financial and industrial sectors, including former vice-president of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) Jean-Louis Gergorin, as well as a former EADS technical support worker, Imad Lahoud. Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin and Defense Minister Michèle Alliot-Marie have also been called as witnesses.

Robert, formerly a journalist with "Libération", has authored two books on the Clearstream case. If convicted of the charges, he could face up to three years' imprisonment and a 375,000 Euro fine.

For further information, contact Elsa Vidal at RSF, 5, rue Geoffroy Marie, Paris 75009, France, tel: +33 1 44 83 84 67, fax: +33 1 45 23 11 51, e-mail: europe@rsf.org, Internet: http://www.rsf.org

The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of RSF. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit RSF.
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