Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy began serving his five-year prison sentence today at La Santé prison in Paris. He was convicted of conspiracy related to illicit funding from Libya for his 2007 presidential campaign.
Sarkozy’s imprisonment marks a historic moment, making him the first French leader to be incarcerated since World War II. He held office from 2007 to 2012. The last time a French leader was imprisoned was when Marshal Philippe Pétain was jailed for collaborating with the Nazis.
The conviction follows years of legal battles stemming from allegations that Sarkozy’s 2007 campaign received millions of euros in cash from then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Sarkozy has consistently denied these charges.
Before entering prison, Sarkozy told Le Figaro that he planned to take three books with him for his first week, including Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Count of Monte Cristo, a story about a man wrongly imprisoned who plots revenge against those who betrayed him.
According to reports, Sarkozy will be held in a special protection unit within La Santé prison. This unit, reportedly renovated five years ago, is designed for high-profile individuals requiring additional security. His cell is said to be approximately 10 square meters and furnished with a bed, desk, television, and private courtyard. While he will have access to a telephone and be able to purchase food, he will reportedly not be allowed to leave the unit.
DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
