Eighteen months in prison, of which six suspended sentences were required, Wednesday in Marseille against the former socialist deputy Henri Jibrayel accused of having used public funds to play at the casino and to repay the credit of a vehicle for private use.
Prosecutor Mathieu Vernaudon also demanded a fine of 10,000 euros and ineligibility for three years for this “
embezzlement
” of public
funds
paid by the National Assembly.
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"
The money spent on gambling is my money, I did not use public money, I say it solemnly
", defended the former politician, elected in the poor neighborhoods of the north of Marseille and now 70 years old.
He admitted his gambling addiction "
for personal reasons
" and was banned from the casino.
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His defender Me Jorge Mendes Constante demanded his release, "
this file does not allow to say that the money played came from the National Assembly
", according to him.
The prosecutor justified his requisitions by practices "
seriously detrimental to the social pact that Mr. Jibrayel must support
".
"
This kind of behavior, the use of public funds for personal ends, contributes to the weakening of democracy,
" he said.
