During the municipal campaign (spring 2014), Olivier Bettati, then a candidate, had denounced “a public health issue” concerning the quality of the water in the mirror pool of the Promenade du Paillon.
Was he trying to create controversies for electoral purposes or was he exposing a fact? Christian Estrosi then decided to file a defamation lawsuit for false allegations against its author.
The Nice Court has just recognized the basis of this legal action and has sentenced Olivier Bettati to a fine of €3,000. Christian Estrosi was awarded a symbolic €1 as requested, and the City of Nice received €1,500.
He commented sharply on this decision: “By condemning Olivier Bettati, the court acknowledges the political significance of the unjust accusations made by Olivier Bettati.”
Is the matter over? Apparently not, if we consider the reaction of the “guilty” party who announced he would appeal this court decision.
Olivier Bettati, municipal councilor of Nice and metropolitan councilor, counteracts: “During the week, I will publish on www.olivierbettati.com the analyses conducted by Metropolis services as well as those that I commissioned under the supervision of a bailiff. This way, everyone will be free to judge if such revelations should be condemned.”
To the water, indeed!
