Overview
- He was taken into custody on October 21 and placed in solitary confinement with a small cell, no mobile phone, a television and radio, and one hour of outdoor time daily.
- Defense lawyers say he intends to prove his innocence, with one attorney expressing hope for release before Christmas and estimating at least three weeks to a month in custody before a ruling.
- The September 25 verdict found him guilty of participation in a criminal group tied to the Libyan financing case while acquitting him of concealment of embezzlement and passive corruption, and the court did not establish illicit 2007 campaign financing.
- President Emmanuel Macron called public debate over the incarceration legitimate and noted plans by Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin and Senate President Gérard Larcher to inspect detention conditions.
- Hundreds of supporters gathered near his home and outside Santé Prison, singing the national anthem and chanting slogans as police blocked access to the facility.