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Police Guards Assigned to Sarkozy in Prison After Threat Video Triggers Probe

The former French leader is appealing his conviction and seeking release pending appeal while being held in isolation at La Santé.

Overview

  • Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said two officers from the presidential protection service are stationed in neighbouring cells to protect Nicolas Sarkozy.
  • A video circulating online appeared to show an inmate threatening Sarkozy; the Paris prosecutor questioned three inmates and seized two mobile phones.
  • Sarkozy began serving a five-year sentence at La Santé after a conviction for criminal association in the Libyan funding case, with judges not finding he personally received Libyan cash.
  • He is held in the prison’s isolation unit with controlled visits and restricted out-of-cell time, and prison unions have objected to police being posted inside the facility.
  • His legal team filed for release pending appeal, saying a judge could review the request in about a month and expressing hope for a decision before Christmas.