Overview

• Former gendarme Alain Hontangs testified that a magistrate cited an intervention by François Bayrou during the 1998 investigation into Father Pierre Silviet-Carricart, accused of rape.
• Judge Christian Mirande confirmed a directive from the prosecutor general to delay proceedings but denied recalling any mention of Bayrou's involvement.
• A letter from June 1998 by the prosecutor general outlined the release of Father Carricart under judicial control, raising further scrutiny over the handling of the case.
• Bayrou, now Prime Minister, is scheduled to appear before the parliamentary commission on May 14 to address allegations of interference.
• The case, part of a broader scandal involving abuse within Catholic institutions, highlights systemic judicial and political accountability issues.