After having initially refused to appear before the Senate Committee, Benalla was present at the hearing today, albeit more than 15 minutes late. Benally defended all charges against him, saying he was being "manoeuvred for political ends".
He told the Senate committee about how he participated in President Macron's 2012 presidential campaign and then "moved up the social ladder" to become part of the French president's team.
He also apologised to Philippe Bas, President of the Senate committee, who had earlier called Benalla "little marquis", in reference to his attitude largely perceived as arrogant and defiant.
Benalla said to the Senate that he was "neither President Macron's personal bodyguard nor police officer".
"I was hired as Mission Supervisor, the lowest recruitment level at the presidential office," he said. "I may have got on the presidential vehicle with him two or three times," he admitted, but denied any officially designated security role to the French President.
However, he has been photographed frequently at arm's length with President Macron, protecting him from crowds at official visits. He has also been caught on video wearing a special police force uniform during the incriminating video at the May 1 rally.
No comments:
Post a Comment