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Sarkozy Begins Prison Term as Lawyers Seek Swift Release

His legal team has appealed, seeking immediate release that one lawyer says could arrive before Christmas.

Overview

  • Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy started serving a five-year sentence at La Santé prison in Paris following his conviction for criminal association tied to efforts to obtain Libyan funds for his 2007 campaign.
  • He is being held separately for security purposes, with reports indicating placement in an isolation unit.
  • Attorney Christophe Ingrain said a motion has been filed with the Paris Court of Appeal and reiterated Sarkozy’s determination to prove his innocence.
  • Attorney Jean-Michel Darrois said a request for release was filed immediately and predicted he could leave custody before Christmas.
  • The court acquitted Sarkozy of concealing embezzlement and passive corruption and did not establish illegal financing of the 2007 campaign, while a document published in 2012 by Mediapart was later ruled a forgery.