22 Feb 2005

Family of disappeared French Polynesia journalist to meet judge after murder complaint lodged

10:08 am on 22 February 2005

The family of a French Polynesian journalist who disappeared seven years ago will meet a judge today after lodging a complaint of alleged murder against persons unknown.

Jean Pascal Couraud vanished in 1997 and he was believed to have committed suicide.

The case had been closed but last year, a former spy working for the presidential GIP service claimed that the journalist was kidnapped and drowned off Tahiti.

The journalist's brother, Philippe Couraud, says the family is pleased that the case has been re-opened.

"At this stage we are very happy for the first time. We think that they're going to help us to near the truth about all this story."