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2h ago

Sarkozy Begins Five-Year Prison Term in Paris After Libyan Conspiracy Conviction

His lawyers say a pending appeal request could secure his release before Christmas.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy on Sept. 25, 2025 in Paris, France.
France's former president Nicolas Sarkozy waves to his supporters as he leaves his residence to present himself to La Sante Prison for incarceration on a five-year prison sentence after being convicted of criminal conspiracy over a plan for late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi to fund his 2007 electoral campaign, in Paris, France, on October 21, 2025. Nicolas Sarkozy, who faces a flurry of legal woes since losing re-election in 2012, is jailed on October 21, 2025, over a scheme to acquire Libyan funding for his successful 2007 presidential run, becoming the first former head of a European Union country to serve time behind bars. The former French right-wing leader appeals the verdict and denounces an ''injustice''. (Photo by Jerome Gilles/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Nicolas Sarkozy waves to his supporters as he leaves for La Santé prison

Overview

  • The 70-year-old entered La Santé prison on Tuesday and was placed in isolation, with solo yard access twice daily, a separate activities room, and tightly controlled visits.
  • A Paris court convicted him of criminal conspiracy linked to seeking Libyan support for his 2007 campaign, while acquitting him of embezzlement, passive corruption, and illicit campaign financing after finding no proof the funds were used.
  • His legal team filed an immediate bid for release pending appeal, with lawyers indicating he could be freed within weeks even as he is expected to spend at least several weeks in custody.
  • The court ordered the sentence to be enforced before appeals conclude, a step that has fueled political debate as Sarkozy proclaims his innocence and vows to contest the ruling.
  • He is the first former leader of an EU country to be jailed and the first French leader imprisoned since Philippe Pétain, with polling indicating about six in ten in France view the sentence as fair.