Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is set to walk free from prison after a Paris appeals court ruled he should be released and placed under judicial supervision.
Court Orders Release with Restrictions
The 70-year-old political figure, who led France from 2007 to 2012, will be banned from leaving the country under the court's decision. This development comes after Sarkozy requested his release from jail earlier on Monday while awaiting an appeal process.
Sarkozy had been incarcerated at La Sante prison in Paris since October following his conviction for conspiring to raise campaign funds from Libya during his 2007 presidential election campaign.
Background of the Case
The former president was found guilty in September of criminal conspiracy related to alleged illegal financing of his successful 2007 election bid. Prosecutors claimed he accepted funds from the Libyan government, a charge Sarkozy has consistently denied while maintaining the case is politically motivated.
His imprisonment marked a significant moment in French political history, making him the first former French leader to be jailed since Marshal Philippe Petain, who collaborated with the Nazis during World War II.
Security Concerns and Future Proceedings
The decision to release Sarkozy follows reports that he had become the target of death threats during his brief time in prison. These security concerns emerged less than a day after he began serving his five-year sentence.
Authorities had previously arranged for enhanced protection measures, including assigning two permanent police officers as bodyguards stationed in nearby cells throughout his imprisonment. An appeal trial is expected to take place at a later date, where Sarkozy will have another opportunity to challenge his conviction.
