Nicolas Sarkozy, the former president of France, was granted early release from prison after serving just three weeks of a five-year sentence for his involvement in a conspiracy to illegally fund his 2007 election campaign through money from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Following his release, Sarkozy is under strict judicial supervision and is prohibited from leaving France as he prepares for an appeal trial set for next year. On October 21, the court convicted the 70-year-old political figure in a case that has drawn significant public and media attention.
In a statement shared on social media after his release, Sarkozy declared, My energy is focused solely on the single goal of proving my innocence. He expressed hope that the truth will prevail and emphasized that the final chapter of this legal battle had yet to be written.
Sarkozy's legal team had promptly filed for his release shortly after his conviction, which led to a court agreeing to it less than an hour and a half after they made the request. Upon his exit from La Santé prison, Sarkozy was seen arriving at his residence in western Paris.
His attorney, Christophe Ingrain, remarked that this development was a step forward as they prepare for the upcoming appeal. One of the conditions of Sarkozy's release is that he must not contact any potential witnesses related to the Libyan dossier or communicate with employees of the justice ministry.
During his time in prison, which he described as gruelling and a nightmare, Sarkozy received a visit from Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, prompting a complaint filed by 30 lawyers concerned about perceived conflicts of interest due to their past relations.
In response to his incarceration, Sarkozy highlighted the humanity of the prison staff who made his experience more bearable, while asserting his innocence, stating he never considered seeking financial support from Gaddafi.
This case marks a historic moment in French politics, as Sarkozy becomes the first former president to be jailed since World War II.
