Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from jail, three weeks into a five-year prison term for taking part in a criminal conspiracy. He will be subject to strict judicial supervision and barred from leaving France ahead of an appeal trial due to be held next year. On 21 October, the former centre-right president, 70, was sentenced to five years for conspiring to fund his 2007 election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. His legal team immediately filed a request seeking his release.
Writing on social media after the release, Sarkozy said his energy is focused solely on the single goal of proving my innocence. He expressed confidence that the truth will prevail... The end of the story is yet to be written.
Sarkozy's car was seen leaving La Santé prison in Paris shortly after a court approved his early release. His lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, viewed the release as a positive step, prepping for the appeal trial expected in March. Restrictions include not contacting witnesses from the Libyan dossier.
Sarkozy described his prison time as gruelling and stated he wouldn't admit to something I haven't done. He also praised prison staff for their humanity during his time inside.
Sarkozy's situation is unprecedented; he is the first French ex-leader imprisoned since World War II, and following his presidency from 2007 to 2012, he faced multiple legal challenges, including a separate conviction for attempting to bribe a magistrate.
Writing on social media after the release, Sarkozy said his energy is focused solely on the single goal of proving my innocence. He expressed confidence that the truth will prevail... The end of the story is yet to be written.
Sarkozy's car was seen leaving La Santé prison in Paris shortly after a court approved his early release. His lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, viewed the release as a positive step, prepping for the appeal trial expected in March. Restrictions include not contacting witnesses from the Libyan dossier.
Sarkozy described his prison time as gruelling and stated he wouldn't admit to something I haven't done. He also praised prison staff for their humanity during his time inside.
Sarkozy's situation is unprecedented; he is the first French ex-leader imprisoned since World War II, and following his presidency from 2007 to 2012, he faced multiple legal challenges, including a separate conviction for attempting to bribe a magistrate.
