A former French president has begun a five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy, becoming the first former European Union head of state to be jailed, in a landmark case involving illegal campaign financing from Libya.
Nicolas Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, arrived at La Santé prison in Paris to commence his sentence. He was convicted of seeking illegal funds from Muammar Gaddafi’s Libyan government for his successful 2007 presidential election campaign.
Despite the conviction, the 70-year-old former leader continues to assert his innocence. He has vowed to appeal the September court ruling.
The court mandated immediate imprisonment, even with an appeal pending, deeming the offense “particularly serious.” His lawyers are expected to promptly file a request for his release.
Sarkozy’s jailing marks a significant moment in French political history. He is the first French head of state to be imprisoned since Philippe Pétain, who collaborated with Nazis during World War II.
Prosecutors in the “Libya case” alleged a 2005 agreement between Sarkozy’s aides and Gaddafi. This deal purportedly involved illicit campaign funding in exchange for assisting Gaddafi in burnishing his international image.
Before his entry into prison, Sarkozy posted on social media that it was “not the imprisonment of a former president, but of an innocent man.” He expressed confidence that “the truth will emerge.”
Dozens of his supporters and family members gathered outside his residence. They offered encouragement and sang the French national anthem.
Prison officials expect Sarkozy to be held in a 9-square-meter solitary cell. This measure aims to prevent contact with other inmates and unauthorized photography.
Since his electoral defeat in 2012, Sarkozy has faced numerous legal challenges. He previously received a conviction in another corruption case, which he served under house arrest with an electronic ankle tag.
A poll conducted by Elabe indicated that over 60% of French citizens consider his imprisonment “justified.”
Despite his legal woes, Sarkozy retains a base of support within the right wing. He also maintains personal ties with current President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron recently hosted Sarkozy at the Élysée Palace. Macron stated that “as a human being, it is normal for me to welcome our former head of state during such a time.”