France’s Court of Justice of the Republic (CJR) found Minister of Justice Eric Dupond-Moretti not guilty on Wednesday of abusing his power to retaliate against former opponents in 2020.

Dupond-Moretti, whom President Emmanuel Macron appointed justice minister in 2020, was accused of illegally opening investigations against magistrates with whom he was in conflict when he was a lawyer. The former minister was charged with “illegal taking of interest.” According to France 24, Dominique Pauthe, the President of the CJR, said that even though the material element of the crime was well established, prosecutors did not prove Dupond-Moretti had the intent to commit the crime. Thus, he was considered not guilty.

Following his aquittal, Dupond-Moretti told 20 Heures that he never had the intention of taking revenge and wanted to turn the page and pick up the ordinary course of his work. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne stated that Eric Dupond-Moretti would be able to continue his government duties following the verdict.

The CJR is a special French court created to adjudicate ministerial misconduct cases. The court exclusively handles matters concerning government ministers, both current and former, in connection with offenses committed during their official duties.