Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Released from Prison Pending Appeal in Libya Funding Case

PARIS — Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was released from prison on Monday after a Paris appeals court approved his request for release under judicial supervision. The decision comes less than three weeks after the 70-year-old politician began serving a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy linked to allegations that his 2007 presidential campaign received illegal funding from Libya.

Sarkozy left La Santé prison in a car shortly after the court’s ruling and returned quietly to his home in western Paris. The scene marked a stark contrast to his widely publicized imprisonment 20 days earlier, when he walked hand-in-hand with his wife, former supermodel Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, waving to supporters as he entered the prison gates.

Judicial Restrictions and Appeal Process

Under the court’s supervision order, Sarkozy is prohibited from leaving French territory and from contacting several individuals connected to the case, including co-defendants and witnesses. His legal team said preparations for his appeal trial — expected to take place in the spring — are already underway.

Sarkozy, who has consistently denied wrongdoing, reiterated his determination to clear his name. “I will now prepare for the appeal trial. My energy is focused on the only goal of proving my innocence,” he wrote in a statement shared on social media. “The truth will prevail.”

Former President Describes Prison as a ‘Nightmare’

During Monday’s hearing, which was held via video conference from prison, Sarkozy addressed the court about his brief incarceration. “I had never imagined I would experience prison at 70. This ordeal was imposed on me, and I lived through it. It’s hard, very hard,” he said.

He described his time behind bars as a “nightmare” but expressed gratitude to prison staff for their professionalism and support. His wife and two sons were present at the Paris courthouse during the proceedings.

French law generally allows defendants to remain free while awaiting appeal unless they are deemed a flight risk or a danger to others, or if there is concern they may interfere with witnesses or evidence.

Sarkozy’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, welcomed the ruling, calling it a “normal implementation of law.” He added, “The next step is the appeal trial.”

Prohibition from Contacting Justice Minister

In a rare and politically sensitive decision, the appeals court also barred Sarkozy from communicating with Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. Darmanin, who once served under Sarkozy’s leadership and viewed him as a mentor, visited the former president in prison last month — a move that sparked criticism from judicial associations over the separation of powers.

Darmanin later joined President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist government in 2017 after leaving Sarkozy’s conservative party, Les Républicains.

Multiple Legal Challenges Ahead

Sarkozy, who served as president from 2007 to 2012, continues to face several legal battles. On November 26, France’s highest court, the Court of Cassation, is expected to deliver a ruling on his appeal in a separate case involving illegal financing of his failed 2012 reelection campaign.

He is also under investigation for alleged witness tampering related to the same Libya funding case. In 2023, Sarkozy was convicted of corruption and influence peddling for attempting to bribe a magistrate in exchange for confidential information about an ongoing investigation. That conviction was upheld by the Court of Cassation.

Despite mounting legal troubles, Sarkozy remains a significant figure in French politics, with loyal supporters in conservative circles who argue that he is being unfairly targeted by the judiciary. However, his continued involvement in multiple criminal cases has largely overshadowed his post-presidential career and reshaped public debate about accountability among France’s political elite.

Looking Ahead to the Appeal

While the exact date of Sarkozy’s appeal hearing has not been finalized, it is expected to take place in early 2026. Legal experts say the proceedings could once again draw intense public and media attention, given the unprecedented nature of a former French head of state serving time in prison.

As Sarkozy resumes life under judicial supervision, his case continues to symbolize the broader struggle within France’s justice system to balance political legacy, legal fairness, and the rule of law.

Source: AP News – Former French President Sarkozy released from prison pending appeal in conspiracy case