Justice to Examine Request for Nicolas Sarkozy's Release on Monday
The court will review the request for the release of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday, approximately three weeks after his incarceration. Sarkozy, 70, was sentenced to five years in prison in late September for being guilty of criminal association for attempting to obtain funds from former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to finance his 2007 presidential campaign.
Background
Sarkozy was imprisoned on October 21 at the Parisian prison of La Santé, becoming the first former resident of the Elysée to be detained since Philippe Pétain, who was imprisoned after World War II for collaborating with the German occupier. The Paris Court of Appeal may rule on his request for release as early as Monday.
Sentence and Appeal
Sarkozy's prison sentence was accompanied by a detention warrant due to "facts of exceptional gravity that could undermine trust in the very institutions of the Republic," said Judge Nathalie Gavarino when announcing the verdict. However, the former head of state was acquitted of charges of receiving embezzled public funds, passive corruption, and electoral code offenses. Sarkozy has always maintained that he is the victim of a "plot" and has appealed his conviction, claiming to be a victim of revenge and hatred. The date of his appeal trial has not yet been set.
Upcoming Hearing
Sarkozy will not be physically present at the hearing on Monday before the Paris Court of Appeal, scheduled to start at 9:30 am, but his lawyers will represent him. One of his lawyers, Christophe Ingrain, told Reuters that Sarkozy does not meet any of the legal conditions requiring "pre-trial detention" and has always respected the judicial procedure. These conditions include the goal of putting an end to the offense or preventing its renewal, as well as keeping the person under examination at the disposal of the justice system.
Possible Release Conditions
If the court grants his request for early release, Sarkozy could be forced to wear an electronic bracelet as part of a judicial control. Sarkozy was previously sentenced in 2023 in a separate corruption case known as the "wiretapping" case, a conviction confirmed by the Court of Cassation in December last year. Found guilty of active corruption of a magistrate and active influence peddling on a person holding public authority, he was sentenced to one year in prison with an electronic bracelet.
Other Ongoing Cases
Sarkozy was also sentenced on appeal in 2024 for illegal financing of his 2012 election campaign. A final ruling from the Court of Cassation in this case is expected in mid-November.
