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Nicolas Sarkozy freed after three weeks in prison
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was released from La Santé prison in Paris on Monday, just three weeks into a five-year sentence for his role in a criminal conspiracy involving illegal campaign financing from Libya. The 70-year-old will remain under strict judicial supervision and is prohibited from leaving France.
Sarkozy's vehicle was seen departing the facility shortly before 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT), less than 90 minutes after a Paris court approved his early release. He later arrived at his residence in western Paris, where his family awaited him.
Background: The Libyan financing conviction
On 21 October, Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiring to fund his 2007 presidential campaign with illicit funds from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. His legal team immediately filed for release, arguing the conditions of his detention were unduly harsh.
During a court hearing conducted via video link, Sarkozy described his time in solitary confinement as "gruelling" and "a nightmare," though he acknowledged the "exceptional humanity" of prison staff who made his incarceration "bearable." He reiterated his denial of wrongdoing, stating he had never entertained the "mad idea" of soliciting money from Gaddafi and would "never admit to something I haven't done."
Conditions of release and ongoing legal battles
The court's decision mandates that Sarkozy avoid all contact with Justice Ministry employees-a condition tied to allegations of conflict of interest after Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, a former ally, visited him in prison. The visit prompted 30 French lawyers to file a complaint, citing ethical concerns.
Public prosecutor Damien Brunet supported Sarkozy's release but insisted on restrictions to prevent interference with the so-called "Libyan dossier." Sarkozy's lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, called the release "a step forward" and confirmed preparations for an appeal trial scheduled for March.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
Christophe Ingrain, Sarkozy's lawyer, on the appeal process
Prison conditions and security measures
During his incarceration, Sarkozy was held in the prison's isolation wing, with limited privileges: a toilet, shower, desk, small electric hob, and a television (for which he paid a €14 monthly fee). He was allowed one hour of solitary exercise daily in a segregated courtyard. Two bodyguards were stationed nearby due to perceived threats, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.
Family visits were permitted, and Sarkozy's wife, singer-model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, along with two of their sons, attended Monday's hearing in support. The former president had previously spent months under house arrest with an electronic tag after a 2023 conviction for attempting to bribe a magistrate in a separate case.
Historical context: A first since WWII
Sarkozy is the first former French leader imprisoned since Philippe Pétain, the WWII-era Nazi collaborator jailed for treason in 1945. His legal troubles have shadowed him since leaving office in 2012, with multiple investigations into corruption, campaign financing, and influence-peddling.
Next steps
The appeal trial in March will revisit the Libyan financing case, while Sarkozy's legal team continues to challenge the conditions of his supervised release. Observers note the case's implications for French political accountability and judicial independence.
