Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy entered a prison in Paris on Tuesday to commence a five-year sentence related to criminal conspiracy, specifically for financing his 2007 election campaign with funds sourced from Libya. This marked a historic moment, as Sarkozy became the first former leader of modern France to face imprisonment.
The 70-year-old was met by hundreds of his supporters as he left his Paris home alongside his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who has transitioned from supermodel to singer. They shared a hug before he boarded a police vehicle.
Shortly after, the vehicle drove through the gates of the infamous La Santé prison, where he will serve his sentence in solitary confinement.
Sarkozy was found guilty last month of conspiracy tied to the scheme involving Libyan funds for his presidential campaign. He is currently contesting both the conviction and the unusual prison sentence placed upon him, with his lawyer announcing a request for immediate release.
“This imprisonment is a disgrace and a troubling development for him, France, and our institutions,” stated Jean-Michel Dalois, Sarkozy’s lawyer, shortly after the former president’s incarceration.
In a display of defiance, Sarkozy declared via social media that “an innocent person” was being unjustly imprisoned. “I continue to condemn this judicial scandal,” he asserted, insisting that “the truth will prevail.” He also informed Le Figaro that he plans to bring three books with him to prison, including “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas, a tale of escape and revenge, as well as a biography of Jesus Christ.
“I’m not afraid of prison,” he shared with La Tribune Dimanche last week. “I will face it bravely,” he said, insisting he would fight to the end. Sarkozy has repeatedly claimed that he is a victim of a “conspiracy” involving individuals linked to the Libyan government, referring to the recent verdict as a “scandal.”
Sarkozy’s lawyer emphasized that he would be kept isolated from other inmates for security reasons. To prepare for prison life, Sarkozy packed sweaters due to the prison’s cold environment and earplugs to cope with the noise.
Another lawyer, Christophe Inglein, called the situation a “grave injustice.” He described the challenging circumstances, noting, “This is tough, but the president remains strong.” He mentioned that Sarkozy hasn’t complained or sought any special accommodations.
During his time in solitary confinement, Sarkozy will be permitted outdoor time alone in the prison yard for one hour daily and will receive family visits three times a week. Additionally, he plans to write a book detailing his prison experience.
The transition of Sarkozy from the Elysée Palace to La Santé prison captured the attention of many in France. After departing his home, Sarkozy and his family, including children and grandchildren, walked together, reflecting a moment of solidarity among them. His brother Guillaume expressed pride in Sarkozy’s response, asserting, “I truly believe he is innocent.”
Numerous supporters gathered, chanting “Nicolas, Nicolas” and singing the national anthem, displaying messages on French flags expressing encouragement for Sarkozy. Some supporters, like Virginie Rochon, criticized the treatment of “a former president being taken away under the presumption of guilt.” Another supporter, Veronique Maury, remarked on the implications of the term “criminal conspiracy,” suggesting it unfairly casts doubt on the voters who supported him.
Amid this turmoil, President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Sarkozy to the presidential palace last week, deeming it a normal gesture given the situation. Macron did mention he wouldn’t comment on the judicial outcome, although he acknowledged that a former president’s imprisonment warrants discussion. He emphasized the importance of separating personal emotions from the judicial process.
While Sarkozy has stepped back from active politics in recent years, he still retains considerable influence among conservative circles. Remy Heitz, a prominent judge, raised concerns about the potential for disturbances to judicial peace and emphasized the need for the justice system to operate free from outside influence. A Paris court recently ruled that Sarkozy would begin serving his sentence without waiting for an appeal hearing, citing the significant public disruption caused by his actions.
The ruling highlighted that Sarkozy had used his positions as a candidate and interior minister to foster corruption at high levels, financing his campaign with funds from Muammar Gaddafi’s Libya. Furthermore, the decision allows Sarkozy to request a reassessment for release only once during his imprisonment, with a judge taking up to two months to process the request.
