INH Contact - No 04 - 1999 Janvier

Magazine Overview

Title: I.N.H. Contact
Issue: 4
Date: January 1999
Publisher: I.N.H. Évidence
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: LA JUSTICE FRANCAISE CONNAIT-ELLE LA DECLARATION DES DROITS DE L'HOMME ?

This issue of I.N.H. Contact, published by the association I.N.H. Évidence, is a special edition largely dedicated to the Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrée Atmosphérique (SEPRA) and its director, Jean-Jacques Velasco. The magazine is presented as a liaison bulletin for ufology enthusiasts and aims to be reproduced and distributed freely.

The Legal Battle: Alessandri vs. Velasco

The central theme of this issue is the legal conflict between Robert Alessandri, the director of publication and editor-in-chief of I.N.H. Contact, and Jean-Jacques Velasco, director of SEPRA. Alessandri details his defamation lawsuit, initiated by Velasco, who accused Alessandri of denouncing his total incompetence in his areas of expertise. Alessandri recounts the proceedings, emphasizing what he perceives as significant flaws and injustices within the French judicial system.

He describes being summoned to court and subsequently denied legal aid, despite his low income (R.M.I.) and the fact that he is defending himself as both an individual and the director of a publication. The denial of legal aid is presented as a major obstacle, making it nearly impossible for him to mount a proper defense. He notes that while public audiences are held, the accused is not always informed, and the process seems to favor those who can afford legal representation.

Alessandri was eventually found guilty and ordered to pay 30,000 francs in damages and 6,000 francs in legal costs. He expresses his disbelief at the process, particularly the lack of opportunity to present his defense and the court's alleged failure to properly consider the evidence, including the limited circulation of his publication.

Critique of SEPRA and Jean-Jacques Velasco

Beyond the legal proceedings, Alessandri launches a strong critique of SEPRA and its director, Jean-Jacques Velasco. He questions Velasco's scientific qualifications and competence, particularly in the field of atmospheric re-entry phenomena, which is SEPRA's primary focus.

The Trans-en-Provence Case

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to re-examining the famous Trans-en-Provence trace case. Alessandri suggests that the case, which was instrumental in establishing SEPRA's reputation, might have been manipulated or even fabricated. He points out inconsistencies in the official account and questions the scientific methodology used by Professor Michel Bounias, who analyzed the plant samples from the site. Alessandri hypothesizes that Velasco, seeking to save SEPRA and boost his own career, might have influenced the interpretation of the results or even manipulated the samples themselves.

Other Criticisms

Alessandri also criticizes SEPRA's handling of other UFO cases, such as the "vague d'ovnis» in the Ardennes, where he claims Velasco failed to investigate adequately due to a low number of testimonies received via official channels. He also brings up the "Trans bis» case involving a child's testimony, which was later debunked, suggesting a pattern of seeking sensational cases to justify SEPRA's existence.

He argues that SEPRA's primary function has shifted from serious scientific investigation to self-preservation, often at the expense of credible ufological research. He expresses concern that SEPRA's actions have damaged the credibility of French ufology.

Trajectory Analysis and SEPRA's Incompetence

Another section of the magazine analyzes the trajectory of a rocket stage re-entry, contrasting Alessandri's own calculations with those attributed to Velasco. Alessandri demonstrates how Velasco's trajectory analysis, allegedly based on flawed understanding of orbital mechanics, was significantly inaccurate and contradicted by witness testimonies and other expert calculations. This serves as further evidence of Velasco's alleged incompetence.

Activities and Publications

The magazine also includes information about I.N.H. Évidence's activities, such as its library for members and the availability of archives. It also lists various books and publications related to ufology available for purchase through the association, including works by authors like Jean-Pierre Petit, Jacques Vallée, and Jean Sider.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of I.N.H. Contact adopts a highly critical and investigative stance towards official ufological bodies, particularly SEPRA and its director, Jean-Jacques Velasco. The editorial line strongly advocates for transparency, scientific rigor, and a fair judicial process. It positions the association as a defender of genuine ufological research against what it perceives as institutional incompetence, potential fraud, and bureaucratic self-preservation. The magazine champions the rights of individuals, especially those with limited means, to defend themselves against powerful institutions. The overall tone is one of determined opposition to perceived injustices and a commitment to exposing what the authors believe to be the failings of official UFO investigation in France.