French Code of Criminal Procedure
In forceOn pain of inadmissibility, the request by the person under investigation for the whole of the proceedings to be examined by the investigating chamber pursuant to the provisions of
Article 221-3shall be the subject of a reasoned request to the President of this Chamber, which shall be forwarded to the latter via the Examining Magistrate in accordance with the provisions of this Article. This request shall specify whether the person concerned requests to appear before the Chamber.
The request must be declared to the clerk of the examining magistrate hearing the case. It is recorded and dated by the clerk, who signs it together with the applicant or his lawyer. If the applicant is unable to sign, this is noted by the court clerk. Where the claimant or his lawyer does not reside within the jurisdiction of the competent judicial court, the declaration to the registrar may be made by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.
The request may also be made by the defendant in custody by means of a declaration to the head of the prison. This declaration is witnessed and dated by the head of the prison, who signs it, together with the applicant. If the applicant is unable to sign, this is noted by the head of the prison. This document is sent without delay, in original or copy and by any means, to the clerk of the examining magistrate.
The examining magistrate immediately sends the original of the request to the president of the examining chamber, together with a copy of the case file.
The president of the investigating chamber rules within eight days of receipt of the request and the case file, in accordance with the provisions of the first paragraph of article 221-3. His decision shall be notified to the accused by the head of the prison, and to his lawyer by registered letter or in accordance with the provisions of
Article 803-1. A copy of this decision is sent to the examining magistrate.
