Nicolas Sarkozy Appeals for Jail Release After Five-Year Sentence Over Libyan Campaign Funds

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is seeking release from prison pending appeal after beginning a five-year jail sentence for conspiring to obtain illegal campaign funds from Libya. A Paris court is set to hear his request on Monday, weeks after his incarceration at La Santé prison—a stunning fall for the 70-year-old leader who governed France from 2007 to 2012.

Sarkozy was convicted of criminal conspiracy for allegedly soliciting funds from Muammar Gaddafi to support his 2007 presidential campaign. He was, however, acquitted of other charges, including corruption and receiving illegal campaign financing. Judge Nathalie Gavarino said the immediate enforcement of his sentence was justified due to the “extraordinary seriousness” of the crime.

Sarkozy has continuously denied all allegations, calling himself a victim of “revenge and hatred.” His lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, argued that the former president does not meet the legal grounds for provisional detention, emphasizing his full cooperation with judicial authorities. Under French law, provisional detention is applied to prevent further criminal activity or ensure that the accused remains available to the justice system.

If granted release, Sarkozy may be required to wear an electronic tag, post bail, or regularly report to authorities. The former conservative leader has faced multiple legal challenges since leaving office.

In 2023, France’s highest court upheld his corruption and influence-peddling conviction, ordering him to wear an electronic tag for one year—a first for a former French head of state. That tag has since been removed. The same year, an appeals court confirmed his illegal campaign financing conviction linked to his failed 2012 re-election bid. A final ruling from the nation’s top court is expected later this month.