Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday entered prison to begin a five-year sentence for conspiring to secure illegal campaign funds from Libya for his 2007 presidential run.
The former conservative leader, who governed France from 2007 to 2012, becomes the first former French leader to be imprisoned since Nazi collaborator Marshal Philippe Petain after World War Two.
The 70-year-old was driven away under police escort to La Sante prison in the French capital. Sarkozy had earlier walked hand in hand outside his home with wife Carla Bruni as supporters gathered outside, chanting “Nicolas, Nicolas,” and singing the French national anthem. His sons, daughter and grandchildren were also present to say goodbye.
What has Sarkozy said about going to prison?
While on his way to jail, Sarkozy released a social media statement saying he would continue to denounce “this judicial scandal.”
As I am about to cross the gates of La Sante prison, my thoughts go to the French women and men of all backgrounds and all opinions,” he said. “I want to tell them with the unshakeable strength that is mine that it is not a former President of the Republic who is being imprisoned this morning — it is an innocent man.”
He said his conviction came after a long investigation based on “a document the falsification of which has now been established.”
A Paris judge ruled that former French President Nicolas Sarkozy must begin serving his prison sentence without waiting for his appeal to be heard, citing “the seriousness of the disruption to public order caused by the offense.”
France’s former president Nicolas Sarkozy hugs his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy as he leaves for prison Image: Julien De Rosa/AFP/Getty Images
Under the decision, the 70-year-old Sarkozy can only request release from the appeals court after entering prison, with judges given up to two months to review the motion.
Sarkozy’s lawyers said a request for release would be filed very quickly.
This is a developing story that will be updated…
