Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been jailed in Paris after being sentenced to five years for criminal conspiracy over a scheme to obtain election campaign funds from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The 70-year-old is the first French postwar leader to be incarcerated, and the first former head of an EU country to serve time in prison.
Sarkozy, who has appealed against his conviction, staged a carefully managed departure from his home in western Paris, walking with his wife Carla Bruni to greet supporters. His children, including 14-year-old Giulia, led the procession. Some supporters carried framed photos and shouted “Free Nicolas!”. In a social media post, Sarkozy declared his innocence, calling his imprisonment a “judicial scandal”.
He was driven to La Santé prison in southern Paris, entering through a gate to avoid photographers. Upon arrival, prisoners were heard whistling and shouting “Sarkozy’s here” and “Welcome Sarkozy!”. Sarkozy was found guilty last month of criminal conspiracy, with the lead judge citing “exceptional gravity” that could “undermine citizens’ trust”. He was acquitted of three separate charges including corruption and misuse of Libyan public funds.
Sarkozy’s lawyers filed for his immediate release, and the appeals court has two months to examine the request. He is expected to be held in solitary confinement in a 9 sq metre cell with a shower, toilet, and small television. He has no mobile phone but can contact lawyers and family via a security-controlled line, with two family visits per week allowed. He reportedly packed family photos, a biography of Jesus, and The Count of Monte Cristo.
A poll by Elabe found six out of ten French people believe the sentence is fair. However, a trade union of prison wardens protested outside La Santé against overcrowding, noting many inmates sleep on mattresses on the floor. Sarkozy remains the first French leader jailed since Philippe Pétain after World War II.
