A Paris court has sentenced former French President Nicolas Sarkozy to five years in prison after finding him guilty of criminal conspiracy linked to an alleged scheme to finance his 2007 presidential campaign with funds from Libya.
In a surprise ruling, judges declared that Sarkozy, 70, will serve prison time even if he appeals. However, the court delayed setting a sentencing date, sparing the former leader from being escorted out of court in handcuffs.
Court Verdict on Sarkozy’s Role
The court ruled that between 2005 and 2007, Sarkozy was involved in a criminal association aimed at securing campaign financing from Libyan authorities in exchange for diplomatic favors. He was cleared of three other charges, including passive corruption, illegal campaign financing, and concealment of embezzled public funds.
Despite the verdict, judges said they could not determine with certainty whether Libyan money was ultimately used in Sarkozy’s 2007 election campaign.
Sarkozy’s Reaction to the Ruling
Sarkozy strongly denounced the judgment, calling it a “scandal” and pledging to appeal. “This injustice is a scandal. I ask the French people — whether they voted for me or not — to grasp what has just happened. Hatred knows no bounds,” he said. He added that if he ultimately serves prison time, he will do so “with my head held high.”
Associates Also Found Guilty
Two of Sarkozy’s closest allies during his presidency — former ministers Claude Guéant and Brice Hortefeux — were also found guilty of criminal association, though acquitted of several other charges.The chief judge, in a lengthy reading of the verdict, stated that Sarkozy had knowingly allowed his associates to reach out to Libyan officials to seek financial backing for his campaign.
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