Paris, Apr 24: A top aide to French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin resigned today after he was charged with soliciting an under-age prostitute, in the latest setback for a government still smarting from its humiliating defeat in regional elections last month. Dominique Ambiel, a former teacher turned television boss who joined Raffarin's staff two years ago, was arrest overnight Monday in western Paris in company of a young woman, reported to be a 17-year-old Romanian prostitute.
"Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin has terminated Dominique Ambiel's employment as communications advisor, upon receipt of his resignation," a government statement said. Ambiel, 49, faces charges of soliciting a minor and insulting a police officer, and could be sentenced to up to three years in jail and fined up to 45,000 Euros (USD 53,000) if found guilty.
Ambiel, who is married with one daughter, has denied the charges, first revealed in the respected French newspaper Le Monde. He is due to appear in court on June 7.
Le Monde said a 17-year-old Romanian was found in Ambiel's car during a routine police patrol in Paris' upscale 17th district, parts of which are known to be nighttime hangouts for prostitutes of both sexes.
Bureau Report