France’s former president Sarkozy back home after court frees him pending appeal

PARIS – Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was freed from jail and went home on Nov 10, after a Paris court ruled he could be released while he appeals against his conviction for conspiring to raise funds from Libya.

The former conservative president, 70, was jailed on Oct 21, after a court found him guilty of criminal conspiracy
over efforts by close aides to procure funds for his 2007 presidential bid from late dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

He was acquitted of all other charges, including corruption and receiving illegal campaign financing.

The former conservative leader, who was president from 2007 to 2012, told the court that being in jail had been tough.

The court said he did not represent a flight risk and therefore did not have to remain in prison until his appeal.

His release was based on specific criteria, such as whether there was a risk he could flee, and is no indication of whether his appeal is likely to succeed.

“Vive la liberte” (Long live freedom), Sarkozy’s youngest son, Louis, posted on his X account with a childhood photo of himself smiling alongside his father, after the court granted the release.

Sarkozy’s prison sentence had been enforced immediately because of the “extraordinary seriousness” of the crime, judge Nathalie Gavarino told the court. He was incarcerated at La Sante prison in Paris in October – a stunning downfall for a former president.

The public prosecutor recommended on Nov 10 that Sarkozy be freed, but put under strict judicial supervision with a ban on contact with other indicted individuals and witnesses involved in the proceedings. The prosecutor said that Sarkozy did not represent a flight risk.

The court agreed to release him under judicial supervision, which would include a ban on leaving France and a ban on talking to any justice ministry official.

Sarkozy has consistently denied wrongdoing, calling himself a victim of revenge and hatred. He did not attend the hearing in person but was taking part via video link from prison.

He said he would respect any demand from the judiciary if he was freed.

“I’m French, sir. I love my country. I’m fighting for the truth to prevail. I will comply with all the obligations imposed on me, as I always have,” he said.

Speaking of being in jail, he added: “It’s tough. Really tough – as it must be for any detainee. I’d even say it’s draining.”

Sarkozy has faced several legal battles since leaving office.

In 2024, France’s highest court upheld a conviction
for corruption and influence peddling, ordering him to wear an electronic tag for a year, a first for a former French head of state. The tag has now been removed.

Also in 2024, an appeals court confirmed a separate conviction
for illegal campaign financing over his failed re-election bid in 2012. A final ruling from France’s highest court is expected on that case in November.

Sarkozy is also under formal investigation in another case for being accessory to witness tampering. REUTERS