Minister rejects Nice security cover-up claim

France’s interior minister is protesting accusations the government tried to cover up security failings the night of the Bastille Day attack in Nice that killed 84.

The woman in charge of video surveillance in Nice on July 14, Sandra Bertin, told the Journal du Dimanche newspaper that government officials told her what to write in her report and that she should mention the presence of police she hadn’t seen.

Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said in a statement that he is suing for alleged defamation and said he is committed to uncovering the truth about what happened. Cazeneuve acknowledged that no national police were protecting the beachfront promenade targeted in the attack.