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3h ago

Paris Court Sentences Nicolas Sarkozy to Five Years for Criminal Conspiracy in Libya Case

Judges ordered his detention to be enforceable during an appeal after finding he let associates seek Libyan funds, even though they could not prove the money financed his 2007 campaign.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, next to his wife Carla Bruni Sarkozy, speaks after a Paris court sentenced him to 5 years in prison and said he'll be incarcerated even if he appeals, after finding him guilty in his trial for alleged illegal campaign financing by Libya, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy reacts as he leaves with his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy after the verdict in his trial with other defendants on charges of corruption and illegal financing of an election campaign related to alleged Libyan funding of his successful 2007 presidential bid, at the courthouse in Paris, France, September 25, 2025. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrives for the verdict in his trial with other defendants on charges of corruption and illegal financing of an election campaign related to alleged Libyan funding of his successful 2007 presidential bid, at the courthouse in Paris, France, September 25, 2025. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/File Photo
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy leaves after the verdict in his trial with other defendants on charges of corruption and illegal financing of an election campaign related to alleged Libyan funding of his successful 2007 presidential bid, at the courthouse in Paris, France, September 25, 2025. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

Overview

  • Sarkozy was convicted of criminal conspiracy and given a five-year prison term, with a deferred detention order that can be executed despite an appeal.
  • He must report to prosecutors by 13 October to be notified of when his imprisonment will begin, and incarceration must start within four months under the order.
  • The court acquitted him of passive corruption, illegal campaign financing and concealing embezzled public funds, citing insufficient proof that Libyan cash entered the campaign.
  • Judges said he allowed close aides and intermediaries to approach Libyan officials for potential funding, and indicated a 2012 memo alleging a €50 million deal now appears likely to be a forgery.
  • Two former ministers, Claude Guéant and Brice Hortefeux, were also convicted of criminal association as part of mixed verdicts for co-defendants, while key accuser Ziad Takieddine died in Beirut days before the ruling; Sarkozy denounced the judgment and said he will appeal.