Under strict conditionsFormer French president Sarkozy released from prison
Former French President Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison for a criminal conspiracy involving illegal campaign financing, which he was due to start in October. However, after several weeks, he is now allowed to leave prison.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from prison on conditional terms after about three weeks in prison. A Paris court approved the 70-year-old man’s request for temporary release from custody. However, it imposes strict requirements. Among other things, the judge banned him from meeting acting Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin and leaving the country.
Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in prison for criminal conspiracy in connection with illegal campaign financing from Libya. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, has always rejected the accusations and appealed.
Sarkozy took part in his early release hearing from prison via video conference. This is the first time the former French president has appeared on screen in prison. He was wearing a dark blue jacket, shirt, and sweater. His wife Carla Bruni and eldest sons Pierre and Jean sat on the visitor’s bench in the courtroom.
Causing a stir internationally
The imprisonment of the former French president caused a national and international uproar. This is the first time a former European Union head of state has been jailed.
Like most prisoners, Sarkozy is housed in a cell measuring around nine square meters, but in a department where he has no contact with fellow prisoners. Due to his special status, he was guarded around the clock by two additional security guards, sparking protests from prison staff.
There was also criticism of the visit of Justice Minister Darmanin, Sarkozy’s former conservative party colleague. Several lawyers filed lawsuits because of this. Darmanin confirmed his arrival by saying he wanted to check the condition of the former President’s prison. Shortly before going to prison, Sarkozy was also received by President Emmanuel Macron.
