Overview
- Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin met Nicolas Sarkozy at La Santé on October 29 for about 45 minutes in the prison director’s presence, then spoke with staff about security.
- A collective of roughly 30 lawyers filed a complaint to the Cour de justice de la République alleging an illegal taking of interest tied to Darmanin’s visit and prior public expressions of support.
- The complaint argues the minister’s hierarchical position over prosecutors and his comments risk compromising impartiality, while Darmanin says he was fulfilling his duty to check security for a high‑risk detainee.
- Senior magistrate Rémy Heitz previously warned that such a visit could threaten the serenity of proceedings and the independence of judges ahead of the appeal.
- The Paris court of appeal will examine Sarkozy’s request for release on November 10, with a decision expected the same day, as he remains in custody under protection by two security officers after his September 25 conviction, which he has appealed.