Several witnesses reported that during the final days of Maurice Papon's trial, police prevented a clown from entering the courtroom. That same day, the clown reportedly waited outside until the defendant came out, after which he observed him from a distance without attempting to make contact. It is uncertain whether the former secretary general of the prefecture saw this clown. Over time, the man, without his clown disguise, began to return regularly during the closing sessions and oral arguments. Each time, he carried a briefcase and stroked the worn leather. An usher recalls that after the verdict was announced, the man said, "Without truth, how can there be hope?"