Sarkozy Jailed for Campaign Financing: France’s First Ex-President Imprisoned
Nicolas Sarkozy, former president of France, has made history by becoming the first ex-president to serve a jail sentence. He has begun a five-year term related to illicit campaign financing linked to the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. This marks a significant moment, the first such imprisonment since World War II, when Philippe Pétain was jailed for treason in 1945.
Sarkozy’s Imprisonment Details
At the age of 70, Sarkozy started his sentence at La Santé prison in Paris’s Montparnasse district. He was greeted by supporters who cheered as he left his elegant property in the 16th district, accompanied by his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. The police had cordoned off streets around the prison while Sarkozy was driven in around 09:40 local time (07:40 GMT).
Social Media Message
As he approached prison, Sarkozy took to social media to express his thoughts. He reiterated his innocence, stating, “Truth will prevail. But how crushing the price will have been.” He emphasized that he was not merely a former president being incarcerated, but rather an innocent man. He voiced sorrow for France, which he believes is facing humiliation through judicial actions.
Legal Reactions
Sarkozy’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, has announced that they filed for his release immediately after his entry into prison, arguing that imprisonment was unjustifiable. It is anticipated that Sarkozy may remain in jail for three weeks to a month as the appeal process unfolds.
Prison Conditions
- Sarkozy is held in a small cell in an isolation wing, measuring between 9-11 square meters (95-120 square feet).
- The cell is equipped with amenities like a toilet, shower, desk, small electric hob, and a TV.
- He is allowed one hour of daily exercise in a segregated courtyard.
- Other prisoners include serious offenders, making his security a concern.
Support from Government Officials
President Emmanuel Macron expressed human concern for Sarkozy during their meeting prior to his imprisonment. He remarked that it is normal to react when a president is jailed and that he refrains from commenting on judicial decisions. Additionally, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin plans to visit Sarkozy in prison, acknowledging the emotional distress of the situation.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
Sarkozy’s legal issues have spanned many years since he left office in 2012. He has faced numerous investigations and was previously convicted for bribery last December. Further complicating matters, he awaits a ruling from France’s highest administrative court regarding another conviction in the Bygmalion affair, which involves illegal campaign financing.
Denial of Wrongdoing
Sarkozy has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with the accusations regarding his 2007 presidential campaign and Libyan financial support. While the court cleared him of directly receiving funds, he was convicted for his association with aides Brice Hortefeux and Claude Guéant, who facilitated the financing. In the past, Sarkozy mentioned he would bring two books into prison, a biography of Jesus and Alexandre Dumas’s “The Count of Monte Cristo,” which reflects themes of wrongful imprisonment.
