Overview

• Judges found Sarkozy guilty of participating in a criminal association, while dropping bribery and illegal campaign‑financing counts as not materially proven.
• The written judgment describes a negotiated 'corruption pact' with Muammar al‑Gaddafi before the 2007 race, emphasizing intent and contacts with intermediaries over documented transfers.
• The five‑year term is to be enforced without suspension pending appeal, with two co‑defendants taken straight to prison and Sarkozy to be notified of his start date on 13 October.
• Sarkozy called the ruling a scandal and will appeal, as allies decry political justice and opponents defend the courts.
• The judges’ union says the presiding judge received online death and violence threats, prompting calls for restraint and warnings against casting the judiciary as a political foe.