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Sarkozy Jailed in Paris to Begin Five-Year Term in Libya-Linked Campaign Case

His lawyers have applied for immediate conditional release on age grounds.

Overview

  • Nicolas Sarkozy entered La Santé prison in Paris on Tuesday and was placed in an isolation unit under heightened security.
  • The defense filed for conditional release available to prisoners aged 70 and over, with a decision expected within weeks to two months, and plans to appeal the conviction.
  • A Paris court sentenced him to five years for association in a criminal enterprise and illegal financing tied to Libyan funds for his 2007 campaign, while noting it was not proven he personally received or used the money.
  • President Emmanuel Macron confirmed a private meeting with Sarkozy days earlier, and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin’s plan to visit drew criticism from France’s top prosecutor over judicial independence.
  • Sarkozy became the first former French head of state imprisoned since World War II, as supporters rallied outside and inmates shouted greetings on his arrival.