The Palais de Justice felt colder on the morning of Day Two.
Precisely at 8:57 a.m., the court usher's baton struck the marble floor.
All rose as the judges re-entered Presiding Judge Barbier, flanked by Judges Claudel and Levasseur.
Barbier's spoke.
"Messieurs, mesdames, yesterday we heard the indictments. Today, pursuant to Articles 12 through 18 of the Emergency Judicial Order of 1937 and the Military Judicial Code, we proceed with testimony. General Philippe Pétain remains the first accused before this Tribunal at present."
He paused, locking eyes with the defense table.
"This court maintains the full rights of the defense counsel, cross-examination, evidence, and rebuttal. We remind all present this is not an act of vengeance. It is accountability under the laws of the Republic."
Vincent Auriol, standing as prosecutor-general, gave a curt nod and motioned to the bailiff.
"We call Colonel Étienne Marchal of logistics, 4th Military Region."
