French President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke publicly Wednesday for the first time on the issue of the extradition of two French nationals suspected in the hit-and-run death of Lee Zeitouni on Sept. 16, 2011. Sarkozy spoke at an annual dinner held by the French Jewish community, at which he also met with released French-Israeli captive Gilad Schalit. Sarkozy said, Those who committed this act must account for their actions to the family and to themselves. Claude Issac, 40, was allegedly at the wheel of a black BMW SUV registered to his friend, Eric Rubic, 38, who was in the passenger seat, when they careened into Zeitouni on the morning of Sept. 16. Zeitouni was crossing Pinkas Street in north Tel Aviv. The impact of the hit threw Zeituni 20 meters into the air, propelling her into the opposing lane of traffic where she was struck again by a different vehicle. Rather than stopping or slowing down after hitting Zeitouni, witnesses said the SUV continued down the road at a high speed. Isaac was later caught speeding on Jan. 1 in France, but was released after paying a fine. They have a heavy emotional burden on their conscience and the legal system will do justice by them, Sarkozy continued. He made it clear, however, that despite the public campaign waged by Zeitounis family members, France holds to its position that it does not extradite citizens, and will not make an exception in this case. Sarkozy then advised the State of Israel and Zeitounis family to file a complaint concerning Zeitounis death at the hands of two French tourists. He said the two men would subsequently be tried in a French court. I call for justice, Sarkozy said. We will not leave such a crime unpunished. Zeitounis family asked to participate in the annual dinner where Sarkozy spoke, but were denied an invitation.
