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14m ago

Sarkozy Gets 5 Years for Criminal Conspiracy in Libya Case, Ordered to Serve Time Despite Appeal

Judges said he let aides pursue Libyan financing, with no certainty any money entered 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 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 talks to journalists 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, left, and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, are shown arriving at the courthouse in Paris on Thursday.

Overview

  • Paris judges convicted Nicolas Sarkozy of criminal conspiracy but acquitted him of passive corruption, illegal campaign financing and concealment of embezzled public funds.
  • The court imposed a five-year prison term and ruled he will be incarcerated regardless of any appeal, with the date to begin serving the sentence to be set later.
  • The verdict said he authorized close associates to seek Libyan support for campaign financing, while finding it was not proven that Libyan funds actually financed his 2007 run.
  • Former ministers Claude Guéant and Brice Hortefeux were also found guilty of criminal association and cleared of other counts.
  • Key accuser Ziad Takieddine died this week in Beirut after previously retracting claims of cash deliveries, as a separate probe into possible witness tampering involving Sarkozy and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy remains open.