Overview
- Judges granted Nicolas Sarkozy release under judicial supervision after finding continued detention unjustified and risks of interference minimal.
- Conditions include a ban on leaving France and a prohibition on contacting Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, citing the former president’s ability to mobilize state services.
- Sarkozy had been jailed at La Santé since October 21 under provisional execution of a first‑instance five‑year sentence for association to commit a crime, with acquittals on passive corruption and illegal campaign financing.
- Appearing by video, he called prison "very hard," thanked prison staff, and posted that the law was applied, while reports said he largely ate yogurt during his 20–21 days in detention.
- His lawyer called the ruling a step forward as the appeal is scheduled for March 2026, and a separate Cassation decision in late November on the Bygmalion case is pending.