The Local France

Breast implant scandal: Founder of firm jailed

Tue, 10 Dec 2013 11:26:00 +0100

The founder of the firm that sparked a global health scare by using industrial-grade silicone in breast implants given to women across the world was jailed by a French court on Tuesday. Jean-Claude Masa had been dubbed "the sorcerer's apprentice of implants".

Writer Houellebecq on 'Goncourt for pets' jury

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:17:26 +0100

A jury including provocative French writer Michel Houellebecq handed out a book prize on Wednesday dubbed the "Goncourt for pets", in a nod to France's top literary award, to a Paris vet and first-time writer.

Stolen art works 'crushed by rubbish truck'

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:12:06 +0200

Five paintings worth €100 million ($135 million) including works by Picasso, Matisse and Modigliano, could have been tossed into a rubbish bin and crushed according to one of the suspects.