Sarkozy Seeks release From Prison After Three Weeks
Former french President Nicolas Sarkozy, currently serving a five-year sentence for corruption, may be released from prison as early as Monday. An appeal court is scheduled to hear his lawyers’ application for release, filed instantly after he began his sentence on October 21st at the Santé prison in Paris.
sarkozy was convicted in September of securing illicit funding for his 2007 presidential campaign through negotiations with the Libyan government. The court ordered the immediate execution of his sentence due to the gravity of the charges.
His legal team is seeking to have his sentence commuted to house arrest, potentially with the condition of wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet, pending his full appeal trial expected next year.
sarkozy’s imprisonment marks the first time a former head of state from an EU country has been incarcerated. He is currently housed in a standard-sized cell (approximately nine square meters) but in a segregated section of the prison, without contact with other inmates. Due to his status, he is under 24/7 guard by two additional security personnel, a measure that has drawn criticism from prison staff.
the case has garnered significant attention, including a visit from Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, which prompted legal challenges from some lawyers. Sarkozy also met with President Emmanuel macron prior to his imprisonment.
While incarcerated, Sarkozy has reportedly been receiving a considerable amount of mail, including letters, books, and chocolate. He is permitted one hour of daily exercise in a secluded courtyard and three weekly visits. He maintains his innocence, alleging bias within the French judiciary.
notably, Sarkozy previously took a firm stance against early release and electronic monitoring, stating in 2012 that “every punishment imposed should be carried out.” His potential release under these conditions would therefore appear to contradict principles he previously espoused.
