Picture courtesy of France24
 

Nicolas Sarkozy, former French president, has started a five-year jail sentence for conspiring to finance his election campaign using illicit funds from Muammar Gaddafi, the late Libyan dictator. Sarkozy is the first French ex-president since Nazi collaborator Philippe Pétain in 1945 to face imprisonment. Despite appealing the sentence, he was taken to La Santé prison in Paris under high security, maintaining his innocence and describing his imprisonment as a "humiliation" for France.

 

The conviction revolves around allegations that Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign was unlawfully financed with millions of euros, facilitated by close aides Brice Hortefeux and Claude Guéant, who reportedly engaged with Gaddafi’s circle. Sarkozy’s appeal against the conviction is based on claims of innocence in the controversial Libyan money affair, though the French courts have deemed the offence sufficiently serious to justify imprisonment.

 

Outside his Paris villa, over 100 supporters gathered, prompted by Sarkozy's sons, Louis and Pierre, to express solidarity. The case continues to evoke strong emotions, with Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin planning a visit to ensure Sarkozy's well-being in jail, and President Emmanuel Macron acknowledging the situation's human aspect.

 

The ex-president has expressed disdain for the charges, choosing to take solace in books such as "The Count of Monte Cristo," a tale of wrongful imprisonment. As he serves his sentence in isolation for safety, Sarkozy is allowed limited daily exercise, underscoring the gravity of his criminal association charge.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Sarkozy sentenced to five years for campaign finance conspiracy.
• Conviction relates to unlawful Libyan funding of his 2007 campaign.
• Sarkozy maintains innocence, appealing the decision.

Related Story:

Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to Five-Year Jail Term over Libya Case

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-10-21

 

 

Do we know which prison and perhaps which wing he will be sent to? I'm just wondering how cushy his gaol time will be.

I don't like Sarkozy, but it seems the evidence was weak in his case (unlike Le Pen's case).

 

I won't be surprised if he wins his appeal case!

6 hours ago, BeastOfBodmin said:

Do we know which prison and perhaps which wing he will be sent to? I'm just wondering how cushy his gaol time will be.

The BBC reports that it will be an isolation wing to protect him from other inmates.

He will have his own lavatory with shower and a TV... "Not much else."

16 hours ago, BeastOfBodmin said:

Do we know which prison and perhaps which wing he will be sent to?

 

In that article just above your post, it mentions:

 

16 hours ago, webfact said:

La Santé prison in Paris

 

and

 

16 hours ago, webfact said:

isolation for safety

 

maybe that answers your question?

He should be in gen pop.

If the French can do it, Americans should be able to also. Oh yeah, ditto for Brazil locking up overthrow types

22 hours ago, BeastOfBodmin said:

Do we know which prison and perhaps which wing he will be sent to? I'm just wondering how cushy his gaol time will be.

I reckon he will be home before Christmas albeit with an electronic tag. Has he got Tony on speed dial?

A prison named 'La santé':

 

Someone had a sense of humour.

10 hours ago, klauskunkel said:

 

In that article just above your post, it mentions:

 

 

and

 

 

maybe that answers your question?

Sure does. Maybe I should have read the article properly in the first place. I do like to see politicians get punished.

13 hours ago, Emdog said:

If the French can do it, Americans should be able to also. Oh yeah, ditto for Brazil locking up overthrow types

Exactly. Gives me hope we will see the corrupt Biden live out his last days in prison. Fingers crossed.