A man accused of shooting at French President, Jacques Chirac, during a Bastille Day parade in 2002 is due to go on trial in Paris. Maxime Brunerie, described as a right-wing activist, faced charges of attempted murder.
He was arrested after allegedly firing a hunting rifle at Mr Chirac, as he rode in a convertible along the Champs Elysées. Prosecutors say Mr Brunerie was attempting to assassinate Mr Chirac when he pulled a rifle from a guitar case at the annual parade on July 14, 2002 and aimed at the President’s car.
He is being held in the psychiatric ward of a prison in Paris and if found guilty, he faces a life sentence.
