It's a never-ending story to which the authorities are determined to put an end to the Sarcelles market.
This Grand Ensemble institution, which attracts up to 10,000 visitors on Sundays, is one of the largest in Île-de-France.
But it is also, denounces Mayor Patrick Haddad, a “mafia system”.
Since the arrest and then conviction, last week, of a man described as “the right arm of a bailiff”, even “his bodyguard”, tongues have been loosening and describing an institution of racketeering.
Blaise was arrested at his home on Wednesday March 6, accused of having attempted to extort money from a merchant on January 5.
The latter indicated that he had received threats and that he had to pay 1,000 euros to be able to keep his place on the market.
The victim said he was hit with the butt of a gun during an altercation.
Despite his denials, Blaise, who rather evokes the fruit of a rivalry between traders, was sentenced on Friday March 8 by the Pontoise judicial court to a one-year prison sentence, subject to change.
His lawyer plans to appeal.
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