From the Elysee Palace to the camera: Sarkozy went to prison

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has begun serving a five-year prison sentence in La Santé prison in Paris. The information about why the 70-year—old politician was imprisoned and what conditions he will be in is in the Izvestia article.

Sarkozy came to prison to serve a five-year sentence

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has arrived at La Santé prison in Paris, where he will begin serving a five-year sentence imposed by the court. The decision came into force after a Paris court found the politician guilty of involvement in the illegal financing of his election campaign in 2007 by the Libyan government of Muammar Gaddafi.

Early in the morning, Sarkozy left the house, accompanied by his wife Carla Bruni. According to Reuters, dozens of supporters gathered in front of the building. People applauded, chanted his name, and sang La Marseillaise. After getting into a car heading to prison, the ex-president posted a statement on the social network X, where he stressed that he considers himself a victim of injustice.

"It was not the former president of the republic who went to prison this morning, but an innocent man," he wrote.

What was Sarkozy convicted for?

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been charged with collusion with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The investigation claimed that Tripoli financed his 2007 campaign in exchange for diplomatic concessions and support from the entourage of the head of the Jamahiriya, including Gaddafi's relatives.

Sarkozy himself called all the accusations slander. Ten people were involved in the case with him, including former ministers Claude Gueant and Brice Hortefay. All the defendants denied their guilt. The court did not prove that the Libyan funds actually went into the election campaign, but it recognized the existence of a criminal connection between Sarkozy's supporters and representatives of the Libyan regime.

The key witness, businessman Ziad Takieddin, died shortly before the verdict was announced, which complicated the process. Nevertheless, the court concluded that Sarkozy, being a candidate and president, knew about the attempts to obtain Libyan financing and did not hinder them.

As a result, the ex-president was found guilty of participating in a criminal community, but acquitted on other counts. He was sentenced to five years in prison. The former ministers received similar terms: Claude Gueant — six years and a fine of €250,000, Brice Ortefe — two years.

Reaction to Sarkozy's sentence and prospects of release

Nicolas Sarkozy claims that he has been the target of political revenge for more than a decade. In a statement on Twitter, he called what was happening a "grueling ordeal" and promised to continue "exposing the judicial scandal" that led to his imprisonment. According to the ex-president, the investigation was initiated on the basis of fake materials, and the trial was a manifestation of the system's bias.

Despite the court decision, many supporters continue to express support for Sarkozy. Actions have repeatedly taken place near the walls of his house and the courthouse, where participants demanded "justice" and chanted: "Sarkozy is our president." It was reported that the atmosphere at such meetings remained emotional but peaceful.

The term of punishment of the politician is five years. At the same time, part of it can be reduced on condition of good behavior and satisfaction of appeals. Taking into account Sarkozy's age — he is 70 years old — the French media do not rule out the possibility of softening the conditions of detention, but there have been no official statements on this issue yet.

According to BFMTV sources, the ex-president is under constant surveillance by prison staff and has limited contact with the outside world. Only immediate family members and lawyers are allowed to visit.

Judicial legacy and political consequences

The Libyan financing case has become one of the most high-profile court cases in France in recent decades. It affected not only the personal fate of Nicolas Sarkozy, but also the reputation of the French judicial system. Political observers note that the trial has divided public opinion: some citizens consider the verdict to justify the principle of equality of all before the law, while others see it as an example of political violence.

Experts are discussing how the verdict will affect French politics. Sarkozy, who remains an influential figure in the center-right environment, may become a symbol of criticism of judicial institutions and a reason for a new round of public debate. According to analysts, his case has already influenced the internal agenda of the Republicans party and the attitude of the electorate towards the judiciary.

Meanwhile, the politician's lawyers continue to insist on a review of the verdict. According to the defense representatives, the procedural violations and the political context require a new review of the case in the appellate instance. Sarkozy himself does not rule out that he will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights if the national authorities do not satisfy his complaint.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.