Barroso and Sarkozy feature in spiritual leader's court case

A French spiritual leader and his partner, both convicted torturers, have filed a judicial protest against the Prime Minister and the French President, complaining about inhumane treatment they are receiving in prison.

Their lawyer, Emmy Bezzina called on 10 political heavyweights not to send his clients Alan Schmitt, 49, and his partner Laurence Liegeois, 42, back to France where, he claims, they would face discrimination. The couple, who form part of a French sect, are facing extradition hearings after a European arrest warrant was issued against them following their escape from France two years ago. They had been convicted of kidnapping, torture and ordering violence.

The protest was filed against a list of politicians and government functionaries, including Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, EU Commission president José Manuel Barroso and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Justice Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici, Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg, Police Commissioner John Rizzo, prison director Abraham Zammit, the EU Justice Commissioner and the European Parliament president were also included in the list.

In the protest, Dr Bezzina said Mr Schmitt, who suffers from diabetes, is 95 per cent blind and had a severe wound on one of his legs, was made to sleep naked in a freezing cold cell for security reasons.

He also said the police used tear gas when they burst into their house, which they shared with seven other people, and had beaten his clients during arrest.

Dr Bezzina argued that the state of French prisons was so "horrible" that the couple would die if sent back. He also pointed out that the couple had lived peacefully in Malta without causing any trouble.