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France Transfers 1979 Robert Boulin Case to National Cold-Case Unit

The step positions specialist investigators to reexamine contested evidence.

Overview

  • The investigation, assigned to the PCSNE in Nanterre at the request of the Versailles prosecutor, moves the long-disputed death into France’s unit for unsolved crimes.
  • Boulin’s daughter and the family lawyer, speaking at a Tuesday press conference, asked for an 18‑month timetable to secure testimony before more witnesses die.
  • The family seeks a new autopsy and tests such as micro‑algae analysis of bone that can indicate whether a person drowned.
  • They also urge the declassification of state archives and the release of a redacted CIA report to address gaps they say still block the truth.
  • Cited failures in the 1979 probe include an unexamined farewell note, a typewriter left unsealed and used by police, a deep wrist cut never shown to the coroner, and missing case files.