Prosecutors seek fine for Benzema in French blackmail trial

Posted October 22, 2021 7:00 am

The Associated Press

VERSAILLES, France (AP) - A French court trying an alleged blackmail case involving Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema and four other defendants will render its verdict on Nov. 24.

Benzema, who denies wrongdoing, didn't attend the trial this week in Versailles that wrapped up Friday. He is charged with complicity in the alleged attempt in 2015 to blackmail France teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape thought to have been stolen from his mobile phone.

Prosecutors asked that Benzema be fined 75,000 euros ($87,000), the maximum allowed on the charge, and be given a suspended 10-month jail term if found guilty. The law allows for a maximum of five years imprisonment.

The four other defendants were being tried on charges of attempted blackmail.

The defense, in closing arguments on Friday, tried to outline the lack of intent from most of the defendants to extort money and to threaten Valbuena.

___

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Files for Karim Benzema's trial are pictured inside the courtroom Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021 in Versailles, west of Paris. Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema wasn't present for the opening Wednesday of his three-day trial on France for involvement in an alleged attempt to blackmail his former France teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers MLS Pro Sports Soccer Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.