Sarkozy Jailed in Paris Under Immediate Order After Libyan-Funding Conviction

Overview

• He entered La Santé prison on October 21 to begin a five-year term imposed in September, becoming the first former French head of state jailed since World War II.
• A judge enforced exécution provisoire, citing the gravity of the disturbance to public order, so the sentence is being served while his appeal is pending.
• Prison authorities placed him in isolation with solo access to the exercise yard twice daily, no contact with other inmates, and a cell equipped with a private shower.
• Sarkozy, 70, maintains his innocence, posted a statement calling the case a judicial scandal, and plans to write during his detention.
• Political fallout includes Macron’s defense of judicial independence after meeting Sarkozy, a prosecutor’s probe into threats against the judge, and polling showing majority support for immediate imprisonment.