France, Oct. 31 -- A group of lawyers has filed a complaint against French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin for what they say is an "illegal conflict of interest," following his visit to former president Nicolas Sarkozy, who is serving a prison sentence.

In a complaint filed Thursday evening, the group of 30 lawyers argued that the minister's visit is likely to "undermine the public's trust in the justice system and its professionals."

Darmanin met the former head of state'sfor 45 minutes on Wednesday evening at La Sante prison in Paris, in the presence of the jail's director.

The lawyers stated that "Darmanin's actions are causing harm to their practice and reputation, making it necessary to file this complaint with the Petitions Comm...