London, November 12 : The inquest into Princess Diana’s death is turning into a “farce” as two French forensic experts with vital information about the tragic episode will not be allowed to testify before the jury.

This comes after reports that French authorities did not compel paparazzi witnesses to give evidence by video-link.

Forensic pathologists Dominique Lecomte and Dr. Gilbert Pepsin had conducted the post-mortem and blood test on driver Henri Paul, and found that he was drunk.

Their findings are central to the theory that the crash was nothing more than a tragic accident.

“We face the probability that the most important forensic experts will avoid giving evidence. How is the jury supposed to reach any reasonable and balanced conclusion when it is not allowed to see witnesses speak for themselves or have their evidence cross-examined?” the Daily Express quoted a legal source close to the inquiry as saying.

“The testimony of these witnesses goes to the very heart of how Diana, Dodi and Henri Paul died. We have already had the farcical situation of the paparazzi – who are the critical eyewitnesses to the crash – not being compelled to give evidence. If this situation is allowed to continue, it risks making a travesty of an inquest,” the source added.

There are also allegations that the French authorities have threatened to compromise the integrity of the investigation. (ANI)