After the decision by the Criminal Court [Tribunal correctionnel] in Toulouse to defer the trial of the “reapers” until October 2, 2007, the farmer-victim and the General Association of Maize Growers (AGPM) have lodged an appeal.

  AGPM was quick to react to the ruling made on March 27, 2007,  arguing that justice had been denied and that it was an affront to the legitimate claims of the farmers whose crops were destroyed in 2006.  The argument that one of the accused was a candidate in the presidential elections sees the court handing down a decision which casts doubt on the impartiality of the legal system to which every citizen is entitled.
 
Is a candidate for political election above the law?  Does the running for election grant de facto immunity?
 
The decision made infringes the European Convention on Human Rights, for reasons both political and opportune.  The absence of José Bové, one of the accused, and his subsequent silence are eloquent statements in themselves.
 
The decision to defer the trial, aside from the reaction of disgust and indignation felt by any citizen, shows blatant disregard for the rights of the victims and justifies the appeal they are lodging today.

 Contact Press :    Béatrice GUENEBEAUD – 06 84 51 00 96 – 01 47 23 48 32