Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy reacts after a Paris court sentenced him to five years in jail for criminal conspiracy linked to alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 election campaign.
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been handed a five-year jail term after a Paris court found him guilty of criminal conspiracy in connection with alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 election campaign.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Nathalie Gavarino on Wednesday, marks the first time a former French head of state faces imprisonment. Gasps were heard in the courtroom as the sentence was announced, with Sarkozy also ordered to pay a fine of €100,000 (£87,000).
Although acquitted of charges of passive corruption and illegal campaign financing, the court concluded that Sarkozy “allowed close aides to contact Libyan officials with a view to obtaining financial support for his campaign.”
Prosecutors alleged that late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi secretly funneled millions of euros to Sarkozy’s campaign in exchange for diplomatic favors aimed at rehabilitating his pariah image in the West. The investigation began in 2013, after Gaddafi’s son, Saif al-Islam, claimed the money was handed over.
Sarkozy, who governed France from 2007 to 2012, denounced the judgment as politically motivated. Speaking to reporters after the verdict, the 70-year-old declared:
“What happened today is of extreme gravity in regard to the rule of law, and for the trust one can have in the justice system. If they absolutely want me to sleep in jail, I will sleep in jail, but with my head held high.”
Despite the acquittals, the criminal conspiracy conviction ensures Sarkozy will serve time unless his appeal succeeds. His legal team has confirmed he will challenge the verdict immediately.
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