One of France's best-known criminal lawyers Olivier Metzner found dead on beach

Sunday 17 March 2013 14:27 EDT

Comments

Leading French lawyer Olivier Metzner (Reuters)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Police have discovered the body of one of France's most prominent lawyers washed up on a beach near his home in Brittany.

The Vannes public prosecutor's office said 63-year-old Olivier Metzner was found dead about 9am after leaving a note.

Metzner was famed in France for defending high-profile figures such as trader Jerome Kerviel and former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin.

His associate, Antonin Levy, told The Associated Press that Metzner's death represented a huge loss to the French bar, calling him a “great lawyer and a fighter.” Levy could not confirm French media reports that the note was a suicide letter.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

One of France's best-known criminal lawyers Olivier Metzner found dead on beach

Bookmark popover

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering