The French court is expected to hear the case involving alleged kickbacks in the French-Malaysian submarine deal soon, said the complainant for the case and human rights watchdog Suaram.

According to Suaram director Cynthia Gabriel, French prosecutors have concluded the initial investigations and an application for an open trial was made in late March.

"Our lawyers have advised us that it could take anything from the next few weeks or the next couple of months until a judge is appointed (for the open trial)," she told reporters today.

Gabriel added that the delay involves bureaucratic requirements, and because the matter is politically sensitive in view of France holding its general election soon.

Full story: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/165497