Secret-défense Radio France had broadcast the investigation “Air transport: suspicions of influence peddling in the army” in the program “Secrets d’ info” on France Inter
The DGSI is in charge of the investigation . — Romain GAILLARD-POOL/SIPA
Is this an “attempt to intimidate” as one of the people involved suspects? Three French journalists are suspected of breaching the secrets of national defense for an investigation broadcast in 2018 on France Inter, and on the Internet, which relates to suspicions of trafficking of influence in the French army. Thus, Benoît Collombat and Geoffrey Livolsi, authors of the investigation “Air transport: suspicions of influence peddling in the army”, are summoned by the DGSI in open hearing Wednesday, December 14 in the company of Jacques Monin, director of inquiries and investigations of Radio France, learned AFP Wednesday from sources close to the file.
According to one of these sources, the three journalists are summoned next Wednesday to 10 a.m. because they are “suspected of having committed or attempted to to commit the offense of revealing or disclosing information allowing the identification of a member of a unit; special forces” According to another of these sources, the summons comes within the framework of a judicial investigation opened after a complaint with civil action filed by a former member of the special forces whose name was mentioned. ; in their article.
“Attempted Intimidation”
Their investigation revealed that “the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) is investigating suspicions of favoritism and influence peddling within the French army. At the heart of his investigations: the air transport subcontracting contracts,” place at a search at the general staff of the armies. She mentioned in particular the name of a person in charge of the Command of the special operations (COS) presented. as being “in the crosshairs of justice” this stage if this lieutenant-colonel is indeed the plaintiff.
Requested to find out if the main investigation was still in progress, the PNF did not respond on Wednesday morning. Contact on the summons aimed at its journalists, Radio France also did not respond immediately. Reached by AFP, journalist Geoffrey Livolsi said that “these summonses are yet another attempt to intimidate journalists investigating the army” “Is it still possible to investigate this subject without being worried? by intelligence services? As a reminder, our media Disclose”, which he co-founded; in 2018, “is also targeted; for a year by an investigation for violation of the secret of national defence”, he recalled. Benoît Collombat and Jacques Monin did not wish to speak out publicly.