The Palais de Justice a symbol of the Republic's law and equilibrium.
The grand chamber, long dormant, was full again but not for routine hearings.
This was the day the Tribunal began.
It was 8:00 in the morning.
Military guards, in blue-grey uniforms stood flanking the entrance.
Foreign journalists gathered on one side, whispering in German, English, Italian, and Russian.
At the center of the room stood a raised dais newly constructed, draped with the tricolor flag of France without a fleur-de-lis, without a crown.
Above it hung a banner, unadorned, with one word inscribed in gold.
"Justice."
The court bailiff banged his staff against the tiled floor. "The National Tribunal is now in session!"
The chamber became silent.
Presiding over the tribunal was Henri Barbier, a well-respected jurist in his late sixties, known for his dogged adherence to law and integrity.
With silver hair combed neatly, he wore a plain black robe devoid of any political insignia.
