3 Oct 2012

Haddad returns to Tahiti court for OPT trial

2:30 pm on 3 October 2012

The high-profile French Polynesian corruption court case centering on the OPT telecommunications company has continued despite the heart problems experienced by a key accused, the French advertising executive, Hubert Haddad.

He was taken to hospital yesterday after feeling unwell in court, putting the timely continuation of the trial at risk as his lawyer said he needed five days of rest.

Reports from Tahiti say Mr Haddad has returned to the criminal court and will be allowed to testify for brief periods while remaining seated.

He has reportedly said he wants the trial to proceed.

Mr Haddad is accused of having paid kickbacks to get public sector contracts at a time Gaston Flosse was the territory's president.