The Assassination 1972

Kassar and French intel plot to target Sadiel

Colonel Kassar, backed by the CIA, strikes a secret pact with the French secret service to target Sadiel, a left-wing exile in Geneva. The objective is to undermine any chance of a democratic opposition returning home and to neutralize Sadiel as a political threat. This covert agreement sets the stage for a high-stakes operation.

French intelligence targets Darien

French intelligence identifies François Darien, a militant left-wing journalist, as a potential asset to coerce. Lempereur, a lawyer working with the agency, notes that Darien is a past associate of Sadiel. The plan is to recruit or compel Darien to participate in the covert operation.

Darien is blackmailed into cooperation

Darien is coerced through blackmail into working with the agency, though he suspects his role may be more extensive than it appears. He believes his task is merely to facilitate Sadiel's travel from Geneva to Paris for a televised appearance. Lempereur argues that the Paris program is cover for secret negotiations between Sadiel and Kassar.

Sadiel agrees to come to Paris

Sadiel agrees to come to Paris, setting the stage for the staged TV event. He travels from Geneva toward the French capital under the watchful eyes of intelligence operatives. The arrangement, though presented as a media project, is a cover for political talks.

Sadiel is abducted by corrupt police

Before he can meet Darien, Sadiel is abducted by corrupt policemen in Paris. The abduction is designed to keep him from revealing details or negotiating openly. The move signals the fragility of the operation and the coercive power of elements within the police.

Darien discovers betrayal at the mobster's house

Darien traces Sadiel to a mobster's house and discovers that his former mentor has betrayed him. He realizes French intelligence may be prepared to kill him to cover up the operation. The growing danger escalates as Darien grasps the full scope of the conspiracy.

Darien escapes and warns Edith

Darien escapes from danger and warns Edith, his girlfriend, about the mounting danger. He refuses to go to the police, arguing that they are corrupt and unable to protect him. The refusal deepens the sense of betrayal surrounding the operation.

Edith seeks help from Vigneau

Edith contacts Sadiel's lawyer Vigneau, who goes to the police but refuses to reveal Darien's location. He defends his actions as protecting confidences and not surrendering critical information. The legal maneuvering adds another layer of obstruction to the investigation.

Rouannat orders a house search

Rouannat, the Police Commissioner, orders a search of the mobster's house, hoping to uncover the conspiracy. The search yields little beyond a strange knife that Kassar had threatened Sadiel with. The limited finds fuel suspicion without providing clear answers.

Darien records a tape and calls Howard

Darien records a tape exposing the operation and calls Howard to meet at his office. The conversation is intercepted and recorded by French intelligence, confirming their long-standing surveillance. Howard arrives and kills Darien, revealing himself as a CIA asset and escaping before the police arrive.

Howard's confrontation and escape

Howard arrives, kills Darien, and escapes, revealing himself as a CIA asset. The act demonstrates the reach of the conspiracy and the willingness of operatives to eliminate witnesses. He disappears into the night while authorities scramble to respond.