5 years in prison: a court in France sentenced Nicolas Sarkozy (4 photos)

The former French president has declared his innocence and insists the verdict is wrong. However, he will abide by the court's decision and, if necessary, go to prison, but "with his head held high."





Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced by a Paris court to five years in prison, three of which he must serve in custody, in connection with the illegal financing of the 2007 election campaign with funds from the Libyan regime. In addition to his prison term, the former president was also fined €100,000 and banned from holding public office for five years, France Info reports.



Nicolas Sarkozy

Sarkozy was found guilty of criminal conspiracy and participation in a criminal organization. The prosecution had sought a seven-year prison sentence and a €300,000 fine, but he was acquitted on several counts, including passive corruption and concealing Libyan public funds. The court ruling provides for a stay of execution—the former president will be summoned to the prosecutor within a month to determine the terms and duration of his sentence. However, according to media reports, he will not be able to escape prison.





Sarkozy's trial lasted four months, with dozens of witnesses questioned, and not only the former president but also his ministers found themselves in the dock. The case materials include testimony from Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine, who reported transporting suitcases containing 5 million euros in cash from Tripoli to Paris. He claimed that Sarkozy himself accepted the money on one occasion, but most frequently communicated with the president's chief of staff, Claudon Guéant. In November 2020, Takieddine retracted his statement, and in 2025, he died, significantly complicating the prosecution's case.



Sarkozy himself calls the verdict erroneous and humiliating for France, claims that no Libyan funds were used for the campaign, and intends to appeal. Despite this, the former leader will have to begin serving his sentence even if he appeals, making him the first former president of the country to face a real prison sentence.

"I will take responsibility. I will comply with the courts' decisions. And if they absolutely want me to sleep in prison, I will. But with my head held high. I am innocent," the former president declared.