Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from prison after a Paris court ruled on Monday that he may remain free pending the outcome of his appeal against a conviction for criminal conspiracy handed down in September.
Sarkozy had been found guilty of involvement in a 2007 campaign financing scheme, allegedly funded with money from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors.
Sarkozy Calls His Detention “Very Difficult”
Appearing via video before the court, the former president said that his 20 days in detention had been “very difficult,” emphasizing the strain of his incarceration.
Prosecutors had requested Sarkozy’s release under judicial supervision, with restrictions on who he may contact during the appeal process.
Strict Conditions on Communication
The court clarified that Sarkozy is prohibited from communicating with individuals involved in the case, including current French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, who drew public criticism after visiting Sarkozy in prison in October.
The appeal process is expected to take several months, during which Sarkozy will remain under close judicial monitoring.
Background
Nicolas Sarkozy, who served as President of France from 2007 to 2012, has faced multiple legal battles since leaving office. The most serious of these relates to alleged illicit funding from the regime of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, accusations Sarkozy has consistently denied.
The case has sparked widespread political and media debate in France, as it involves not only the former head of state but also several high-ranking officials and businessmen accused of participating in or facilitating the scheme.
