Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Begins 5-Year Prison Sentence

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Nicolas Sarkozy has officially become the first former French president in modern history to serve a prison sentence, as he begins his five-year term at La Santé Prison in Paris on Tuesday. The 70-year-old former head of state was convicted of criminal conspiracy for allegedly using Libyan funds to finance his 2007 presidential campaign.


Historic Moment for France

The decision marks an unprecedented chapter in French politics. Despite maintaining his innocence, Sarkozy will serve his sentence in the same facility that once housed some of France’s most notorious inmates, including Captain Alfred Dreyfus and Carlos the Jackal.

A Paris court ruled last month that Sarkozy must begin serving time immediately, without waiting for the outcome of his appeal, citing “the seriousness of the disruption to public order caused by the offense.”


Conditions Inside La Santé Prison

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed that Sarkozy entered La Santé on Tuesday and said he would personally visit to ensure proper security conditions.

Sarkozy is expected to be placed in solitary confinement or in the “vulnerable inmates” section, commonly referred to as the VIP wing. This area consists of 18 identical 9-square-meter (96.8 sq. ft.) cells, each offering minimal privacy and separation from the general prison population.

The prison, built in 1867 and renovated in recent years, has been described by former inmates as “harsh but humane.”

Pierre Botton, a former businessman who once shared the same section, remarked:

“Even if you are president of the Republic or a very rich man, you decide nothing in there.”


Sarkozy: ‘I’ll Hold My Head High’

In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Sarkozy said he is “not afraid of prison” and vowed to “hold [his] head high, even before the doors of La Santé.”

He added that he plans to “fight until the end” to clear his name.

According to French media, the former president packed a small bag with clothes and 10 family photos, along with three books — the maximum allowed. Among them are The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and a biography of Jesus Christ.

The Dumas novel — about a man wrongfully imprisoned who later seeks justice — has drawn symbolic parallels to Sarkozy’s own claims of persecution.


Public and Family Support

Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, has shared messages and songs in his support on social media. Meanwhile, his son Louis Sarkozy has called for a rally in Paris to show solidarity with his father.

Earlier Tuesday morning, Sarkozy also paid a brief farewell visit to President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace before entering prison.


A Trial That Divides France

Sarkozy’s conviction has reignited debate in France about political corruption, judicial independence, and the legacy of former leaders. While his supporters claim the process is politically motivated, critics argue the case represents a triumph for accountability in French democracy.