Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been freed from prison after serving just under three weeks of a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy. The Paris Court of Appeal granted his release on Monday, placing him under strict judicial supervision while he awaits the outcome of his appeal.
The 70-year-old, who governed France from 2007 to 2012, had been convicted for allegedly conspiring to obtain campaign funds from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to finance his 2007 presidential bid. His imprisonment last month marked a historic moment, making him one of the few French heads of state to serve time behind bars.
In its ruling, the court said Sarkozy does not pose a flight risk but will remain under close monitoring. He is required to stay within France’s borders and is prohibited from contacting co-defendants or certain judicial officials connected to the case.
Appearing via video link during the hearing, Sarkozy described his time in detention as “difficult and exhausting,” while maintaining his innocence. The court made it clear, however, that the decision to free him does not influence the pending appeal.
Sarkozy continues to face several other legal challenges, including previous convictions for corruption and influence peddling. Despite the ongoing cases, he remains a prominent and polarizing figure in French politics, with supporters insisting the charges are politically motivated.
