Since March 17, and the establishment of containment to fight the coronavirus pandemic, the Montluçon court had to adapt.
“There was no break in public service,” said Audrey Arsac, president of the court. “We handled emergencies. With, in particular, over seven weeks, more than a dozen immediate appearances before the criminal court, interim measures, protection orders issued, adjustments to sentences …
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Files to re-hear
However, a number of cases, which were to be tried in March and April, could not be processed. And from May 11, the date of the deconfinement and reopening of the court to the public, these files will have to be reheard.
“This represents approximately 70 files [en matière pénale, NDLR] », Underlines Loïc Eyrignac, public prosecutor.
As of May 11, we will have to do some selection work to process these files as quickly as possible.
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“Before the summer for the most urgent and in the fall for the others, the hearings in May and June are almost all filled. But even in the fall, it remains a reasonable notice period. “
Civil cases, in particular family cases, should also be dealt with before the summer as well as in September.
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Measures from May 11
However, if the hearings can be held, various arrangements will be put in place as of May 11. Starting with the compulsory wearing of a mask.
“To enter the court, you will have to justify a summons or come for information at the reception. In all cases, you will need to wear a mask. For those who come to the reception, you will have to prioritize the email or the phone [[email protected] ou le 04.70.28.12.13, NDLR]. The idea is to limit physical presence, ”explains the president.
Only those summoned will be able to enter the courthouse. “To limit the number of people in the courtroom, accompanying persons will not be allowed. The hearings will also be held without an audience, ”said the prosecutor.
The courtroom will also be secure. In order to respect the rules of social distancing, two places out of three will be neutralized in particular.
Summons. For the files which were to be initially treated in March or in April, new convocations will be sent soon. For the files which must be treated from May 11, the hearings will take place and the summons received remain valid.
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Laura Morel
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