Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from prison after three weeks. He was serving a five-year sentence for being involved in a criminal conspiracy.
He cannot leave France and will be under strict judicial supervision while he awaits an appeal trial next year.
Sarkozy, 70, was convicted for allegedly using money from late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to fund his 2007 election campaign. His lawyers quickly requested his release.
Sarkozy bent on standing by the ‘truth’
After his release, Sarkozy wrote on social media that he is focused on proving his innocence.
He said, “The truth will prevail… The end of the story is yet to be written.”
His car left La Santé prison in Paris less than 90 minutes after the court approved his early release, and he soon arrived at his home in western Paris.
Lawyer Christophe Ingrain called the release a step forward and said they are preparing for the appeal trial expected in March.
Court restricts Sarkozy’s movements
Sarkozy is not allowed to contact any witnesses in the so-called “Libyan dossier” or justice ministry employees.
While in prison, he was visited by Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, which led 30 French lawyers to file a complaint over a possible conflict of interest.
Speaking via video link from court, Sarkozy described solitary confinement as “gruelling” and “a nightmare.” He denied ever asking Gaddafi for money.
Sarkozy thanked prison staff for treating him with “exceptional humanity.”
His wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and two of his sons attended court to support him.
He is the first former French leader jailed since World War Two, when Philippe Pétain was imprisoned for treason in 1945.
Prison conditions and security
In prison, Sarkozy stayed in a cell in the isolation wing with basic amenities including a toilet, shower, small TV, and a desk. He paid a small fee for the TV and could receive family visits and messages.
He was mostly in solitary confinement, allowed only one hour of exercise per day in a segregated courtyard.
Two bodyguards stayed nearby because of security concerns, according to the Interior Minister.
Sarkozy served as president from 2007 to 2012.
Since leaving office, he has faced multiple criminal investigations. Last December, he had to wear an electronic ankle tag for attempting to bribe a magistrate in a separate case.
His recent sentence marks a rare event in French history, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of former leaders.
