French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti (C) reacts as he leaves after the court's verdict at Paris' courthouse for the last day of his trial over alleged conflicts of interest and abuse of office, in Paris, on November 29, 2023. A French court on November 29, 2023, acquitted France's justice minister in a conflict of interest trial that has been an embarrassment for French President's government.
Eric Dupond-Moretti, a pugnacious former star defence lawyer, had in 2021 been charged with misusing his position to settle scores with opponents from his legal career. He stood trial before the Court of Justice of the Republic (CJR), which judges incumbent or former ministers for alleged offences committed while in office. (Photo by Alain JOCARD / AFP)