Overview
- Sarkozy was released after 20 days at La Santé, shifting from immediate post‑verdict incarceration to supervised liberty during his appeal.
- His release conditions include a ban on leaving France and an expanded no‑contact order covering Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin and Justice Ministry staff.
- The attorney general’s office endorsed release with strict oversight to mitigate risks of pressure on witnesses or collusion.
- Sarkozy appeared by videoconference, described prison as “a very hard and exhausting ordeal,” and reiterated he never sought Libyan funding.
- The appellate retrial in the Libyan financing case is expected to start in March 2026, with precise dates yet to be formally announced.