In the so-called wiretapping case, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has begun serving a one-year strict prison sentence with an electronic bracelet.
On Friday, February 7, Sarkozy was fitted with the bracelet at his home, allowing him to leave only during specific hours determined by the court. The court had ruled in late January that he must begin serving his sentence on this date.
His lawyer, Jacqueline Laffont, stated, “The procedure is following its course, I have no comment.”
Wiretapping Scandal
Sarkozy was convicted of corruption and influence peddling in a case where he was accused of attempting to bribe a senior judge to obtain confidential legal information. His appeal was rejected on December 18, 2024.
Meanwhile, he is also on trial in Paris for allegations that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi financed his 2007 presidential campaign. This trial began on January 6 and will run until April 10.
Conditional Release Possibility
Sarkozy, who turned 70 on January 28, may request conditional release under French law, which allows for certain leniencies for elderly convicts.
Bettencourt Case Connection
The wiretapping scandal, also known as the “Bismuth case,” relates to Sarkozy’s 2014 efforts, along with his lawyer Thierry Herzog, to secure judicial favors in another case—the Bettencourt affair.
Sarkozy allegedly tried to obtain privileged information regarding an investigation into illegal donations received by his party from L’Oréal heiress Liliane Bettencourt. In exchange, he reportedly offered the judge a prestigious position in Monaco. Although Sarkozy ultimately lost his appeal, under French law, even an offer or promise of corruption constitutes a criminal offense.
Herzog and another judge involved received identical sentences, with Herzog being banned from practicing law for three years. Their appeals were also rejected.
What’s Next?
Sarkozy will remain under house arrest with movement restrictions unless granted conditional release. He also faces continued legal battles, particularly in the Gaddafi case, which could further complicate his legal standing.
