Overview

• Prosecutors charged Perdriau this week with blackmail, misappropriation of public funds and criminal association ahead of a trial set for September 22 to 26 in Lyon.
• The case centers on a video showing former deputy Gilles Artigues being filmed in a Paris hotel in January 2015 and allegations that Perdriau demanded election concessions to keep it secret.
• Perdriau will be tried alongside three former aides—Pierre Gauttieri, Samy Kefi-Jérôme and Gilles Rossary-Lenglet—accused of organizing the recording.
• Two couples who led local associations are also bound for trial on abuse of trust charges over alleged fictitious services used to pay those involved.
• Perdriau has denied any wrongdoing, refused to resign after being expelled from Les Républicains and withdrawn from his metropolitan duties.