Former PM Villepin stars in Sarkozy slander trial

A former French leader has taken the stand to defend himself in a high-profile trial that accuses him of helping perpetuate a smear campaign targeting his long-time rival, president Nicolas Sarkozy.

As the proceedings began today, former prime minister Dominique de Villepin told the Paris court: “I am here because of the determination of one man” - Sarkozy.