HBWnovel Chapter 227: He’s fighting for dignity. That costs more than defeat.
Chapter 227: He’s fighting for dignity. That costs more than defeat.
Chapter 227: He’s fighting for dignity. That costs more than defeat.Next day Journalists, foreign diplomats, and Parisian citizens crowded into the grand chamber, all eyes focused on the central dock where Léon Blum, former Prime Minister stood.
At the same as yesterday Barbier, Claudel, and Levasseur entered.
Barbier leaned forward.
"We reconvene again, under Articles 14, 15, and 17 of the Emergency Judicial Order of 1937 and applicable military judicial statutes, this Tribunal begins hearing testimony for Citizen Léon Blum, the former Prime Minister of the French Republic. The charges allege neglect of duty through internal obstruction hindering critical military and technological development, partisan bias within military appointments, and the infusion of politically driven actors into state policy, undermining our national sovereignty."
Blum inclined his head slightly.
His lawyer, Jules Rancourt, remained silent for now.
Vincent Auriol rose, stepping forward.
"Your Honors, we first call General Raymond Lafond, former Director of Military Re
Judge Levasseur began the questioning. "Monsieur Blum, if your government had allowed mechanization to proceed sooner, do you believe France would have been better prepared now?"
Blum paused. "I do. Hindsight reveals my hesitation may have cost time we could not afford."
Claudel leaned forward. "Then you owe the Republic restitution of preparation, not just apology."
Blum nodded gravely.
Barbier set aside his papers. "The Tribunal will now adjourn. Deliberation will proceed in chambers. Final verdict will be delivered tomorrow morning."
The court rose.
Blum walked out under guard.
His face did not flicker at jeers or cheers from both sides of the gallery.
Outside, vendors sold extras labeled
"Freedom or Failure?" and "Blum Before the Court."
In a nearby balcony, Moreau watched quietly.
Beside him, Beauchamp whispered, "He’s fighting for dignity. That costs more than defeat."
Delon replied softly: "Let the judges do the scoring. We need his performance to be fair no martyrdom, no mockery."
Moreau nodded. "The nation must believe in its own judgment. If this is to be our Republic, it must see justice even in mercy."