Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in jail after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy in a case related to millions of euros in illicit funds from the late Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi. The Paris criminal court acquitted him of all other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing.
Sarkozy plans to appeal the ruling, but the sentence will remain in effect during the appeal process. Following the hearing, the 70-year-old former leader expressed that the verdict poses serious implications for the rule of law in France.
The court ruled that Sarkozy had permitted close aides to engage with Libyan officials to secure funding for his presidential campaign in 2007. However, there wasn't enough evidence to prove he directly benefited from the alleged illegal financing.
In addition to the prison sentence, Sarkozy has been fined €100,000 ($117,000). This ruling shocked many in the courtroom underlining its significance as it marks the first time a former French president is sentenced to prison.
Speaking outside the court, Sarkozy stated, 'If they absolutely want me to sleep in jail, I will sleep in jail, but with my head held high.' The case, which has been under scrutiny since 2013, reflects ongoing challenges for Sarkozy, who has faced several legal investigations since his presidency.
Sarkozy plans to appeal the ruling, but the sentence will remain in effect during the appeal process. Following the hearing, the 70-year-old former leader expressed that the verdict poses serious implications for the rule of law in France.
The court ruled that Sarkozy had permitted close aides to engage with Libyan officials to secure funding for his presidential campaign in 2007. However, there wasn't enough evidence to prove he directly benefited from the alleged illegal financing.
In addition to the prison sentence, Sarkozy has been fined €100,000 ($117,000). This ruling shocked many in the courtroom underlining its significance as it marks the first time a former French president is sentenced to prison.
Speaking outside the court, Sarkozy stated, 'If they absolutely want me to sleep in jail, I will sleep in jail, but with my head held high.' The case, which has been under scrutiny since 2013, reflects ongoing challenges for Sarkozy, who has faced several legal investigations since his presidency.
