Overview
- The Paris prosecutor general’s office announced the appellate trial schedule for March 16 to June 3, 2026.
- Sarkozy was convicted on September 25, 2025, and given five years in prison with immediate detention enforced despite his appeal.
- After roughly three weeks in custody, he was released under judicial supervision that bars him from leaving France.
- The appeals court, led by Olivier Geron, prohibited any contact with Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin and his staff, citing Sarkozy’s ability to mobilize state services and echoing warnings from top prosecutor Rémy Heitz on judicial independence.
- His legal team says it is preparing for the hearings, which could be followed by a deliberation extending to late September 2026.