As the debates draw to a close for the trial on the alleged Libyan financing of the 2007 presidential campaign, Sherpa, Anticor and Transparency International France underline the crucial issues at stake in this case. This trial is an unprecedented step in the fight against corruption and the impunity of economic and political elites. It is also the first time our three associations are civil parties in the same case, underlining the importance of this trial.
The role of civil society in the fight against corruption
Our organisations have been mobilised for nearly four months for this trial that is expected to shed light on these extremely serious facts. The trial marks an important precedent in the fight against transnational corruption. It highlights the key role of civil society organisations in maintaining the independence of democratic institutions endangered by illegal activities.
Our organisations aim to ensure the independent monitoring of legal proceedings and prevent political obstacles or procedural manoeuvres from hindering the uncovering of facts. The admissibility of our organisation is therefore of the utmost importance in the fight against corruption. It also ensures the interests of the general public are considered and protected..
Restoring trust in justice and democracy
This trial needs to be a turning point for the fight against impunity. We expect the decision to expose the corruption scheme and firmly sanction the corrupting actors to restore public confidence in justice and democracy. Furthermore, the embezzlement of Libyan public funds has deprived the population of vital resources, aggravating inequalities and weakening public institutions. It is crucial for this trial to recognise the harm done to the Libyan population and to pave the way for reparation measures in favour of the victims of this case.
Transparency International France, Anticor and Sherpa reaffirm their engagement to continue fighting for transparent governance and equitable justice. For our organisations, it is essential to defend the integrity of institutions and combat all forms of corruption undermining democratic principles.
The Libyan population, deprived of essential resources due to the mismanagement of public funds, is the main, but unheard, victim of this systemic corruption case. By demanding accountability, we reaffirm that the fight against corruption is intrinsically tied to the protection of human rights
For Patrick Lefas, President of Transparency International France, “it is essential to remember that in these cases of large-scale international corruption, the perfect, absolute evidence does not exist. In this context, and more than ever, it was imperative to follow the money to expose the truth. The transactions examined in the last weeks have essentially constituted a guidebook for corruption and money-laundering”.
Inès Bernand, Managing Director of Anticor adds, “the conclusions of the case from the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office established that all the civil parties were admissible, which only cements their central position in this historic trial”.
Press release from:
Sherpa, Anticor and Transparency International France
For more information: presse@asso-sherpa.org
