Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy commenced a five-year prison sentence today, marking the first time in modern French history that a former head of state has been incarcerated. Sarkozy, 70, was convicted of criminal conspiracy related to allegations that he sought campaign financing from the regime of the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi during his 2007 presidential campaign. Despite maintaining his innocence and filing an appeal, the court ruled that the severity of the offense warranted immediate imprisonment.
Accompanied by his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Sarkozy departed his residence in Paris this morning, where a crowd had gathered to express support. As he entered a police vehicle en route to La Santé prison, supporters chanted his name, reflecting the divided public opinion surrounding the case. Upon arrival at the prison, Sarkozy was placed in solitary confinement for security reasons, a measure typically reserved for high-profile inmates.
The court’s decision to begin serving the sentence immediately, prior to the appeal, was based on the seriousness of the disruption to public order caused by the offense. Sarkozy’s legal team has denounced the incarceration as a serious injustice and has requested his immediate release, while supporters and family have vocalized strong backing, calling the case scandalous. Sarkozy, who plans to write a book about his experience, was seen off by a crowd chanting in his support. He will be allowed limited family visits and daily solo exercise.
This unprecedented development has sparked widespread debate in France, raising questions about political accountability and the independence of the judiciary. As the legal proceedings continue, the case remains a significant chapter in the nation’s political history.
