Nicolas Sarkozy Released from Prison Pending Appeal of Conviction

PARIS, France – Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will be released from prison after a Paris court ruled on Monday that he could be freed while he appeals his conviction for criminal conspiracy. The court’s decision comes just weeks after Sarkozy began serving a five-year sentence on October 21, following a guilty verdict in September.

Sarkozy was convicted for his role in a scheme to finance his 2007 presidential campaign with funds from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Speaking to the court via video link, Sarkozy described his 20 days in prison as “very hard” and praised the prison staff for their exceptional humanity during his difficult time.

The former president, who served from 2007 to 2012, has reportedly subsisted on yogurt during his incarceration, fearing that other prisoners might contaminate his food. During the hearing, prosecutors suggested Sarkozy be released under judicial control with restrictions on his communication and travel.

The court agreed to the release, ordering Sarkozy to remain in France and prohibiting contact with individuals involved in his case, including the current French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin. This ruling does not guarantee the success of his appeal, but it indicates that the court did not view him as a flight risk.

After the ruling, Sarkozy expressed his commitment to complying with judicial requirements, stating: “I’m French, I love my country. I’m fighting for the truth to prevail.” He noted the toll prison life took on him, adding it was “draining” and tough.

Sarkozy, now 70 years old, is the first former French head of state to serve time in prison in modern history. He currently faces a variety of legal challenges, including an ongoing investigation for witness tampering and a pending ruling from France’s highest court related to illegal financing of his failed 2012 reelection bid.

As he prepared for release, Sarkozy reiterated his innocence regarding the charges against him, stating he will never admit to something he claims he did not do.