Sarkozy Released From Prison Pending Appeal in Corruption case
PARIS – Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from prison while he appeals a conviction for corruption adn influence peddling, a court ruled Monday. The decision comes after Sarkozy appeared via video conference from prison, describing his incarceration as “a nightmare.”
Sarkozy, 70, was sentenced in 2023 to three years in prison, with two and a half years suspended, after being found guilty of attempting to bribe a magistrate in exchange for information about a legal case involving him. France’s highest court, the Court of Cassation, later upheld the verdict. French law generally favors release pending appeal unless there is a risk of flight, danger to the public, or potential for witness tampering.
During Monday’s hearing, Sarkozy maintained his innocence, stating, “I will never admit something I didn’t do,” and insisted he never sought financing from former Libyan ruler Moammar Gadhafi. He also acknowledged the ordeal of imprisonment, saying, “I had never imagined I woudl experiance prison at 70. It’s hard, very hard,” and praised prison staff for their assistance.
The court specifically prohibited Sarkozy from contacting Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, following criticism of Darmanin’s visit to Sarkozy in prison last month as perhaps undermining judicial independence.
Sarkozy faces additional legal challenges,including a November 26 ruling from France’s highest court regarding alleged illegal financing of his 2012 reelection campaign and an ongoing investigation into alleged witness tampering related to the Libya case. His lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, stated the legal team will now focus on preparing for the appeal trial, calling the release a “normal implementation of law.”