Former President Sarkozy Begins 5-Year Prison Sentence Today

UPDATE: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has begun serving a 5-year prison sentence today, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first ex-leader of modern France to be incarcerated. Sarkozy arrived at La Santé prison in Paris at approximately 10:30 AM, following a highly publicized departure from his home, where he was met by hundreds of supporters.

As Sarkozy, 70, walked out hand-in-hand with his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, cheers erupted from supporters chanting “Nicolas, Nicolas.” In a poignant moment, he embraced his wife before entering a police vehicle. Just before his incarceration, Sarkozy took to social media, claiming, “an innocent man” was being locked up, signaling his intent to contest both his conviction and the decision to incarcerate him pending appeal.

The former president was convicted last month for criminal conspiracy related to financing his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya, under the regime of Moammar Gadhafi. His lawyers have filed an immediate request for release, arguing that the ruling is a significant injustice. “It’s an ominous day for him, for France, and for our institutions,” said Sarkozy’s lawyer, Jean-Michel Darrois, after the sentencing.

Inside La Santé prison, Sarkozy will serve his sentence in solitary confinement for security reasons, allowed only one hour of outdoor time daily and three family visits per week. He has brought along three books, including Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo,” which reflects themes of imprisonment and escape.

Supporters rallied outside his home, with many expressing disbelief at the sentence. Paris resident Virginie Rochon called the situation “scandalous,” while another supporter, Véronique Maurey, expressed her discomfort with the implications of the conviction, saying, “It’s just not possible. And on top of that, calling it a ‘criminal conspiracy’ kind of makes all of us feel like criminals too because we voted for him.”

In a recent meeting with current President Emmanuel Macron, Sarkozy was described as maintaining a strong demeanor despite the circumstances. Macron acknowledged the situation, stating, “I have always been very clear in my public statements about the independence of the judiciary,” but noted the importance of human connection in difficult times.

The Paris court ruled that Sarkozy’s prison sentence would commence without delay due to the “seriousness of the disruption to public order” caused by his actions. This decision came after a ruling on September 25, 2023, which highlighted how Sarkozy, as both a presidential candidate and interior minister, utilized his position for corrupt practices.

The implications of Sarkozy’s incarceration extend beyond his personal fate; they raise critical questions about political accountability in France. As he begins this challenging chapter, the nation watches closely.

Next steps include awaiting the appeals court’s decision on Sarkozy’s request for release, which could take up to two months. As the situation develops, the attention remains on how this unprecedented event will affect France’s political landscape and public sentiment.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.