Former French Leader Freed Amid Appeal Process
Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of France, has been released from prison pending his appeal against a conviction for conspiring to raise illegal campaign funds from Libya. The 70-year-old was seen leaving La Sante prison in Paris on Monday, 10th November 2025, in a black car with tinted windows, heading towards his home in the city's west.
Legal Restrictions and Prison Ordeal
The court has imposed strict conditions on Sarkozy's release, including a ban on leaving France and contacting key individuals involved in his case, such as co-defendants and witnesses. During a hearing held earlier on Monday, Sarkozy addressed the court via videolink from prison, stating, "I had never imagined I would experience prison at 70. This ordeal was imposed on me, and I lived through it. It's hard, very hard." He emphasised that he has always complied with judicial requirements.
The former president, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was initially jailed in October after being found guilty in September of criminal conspiracy. This conviction related to the alleged illegal financing of his successful 2007 presidential election campaign with money from Libya. This made him the first former French leader to be imprisoned since Marshal Philippe Petain, who collaborated with the Nazis, after the Second World War.
Death Threats and Future Proceedings
Sarkozy's release follows reports that he faced death threats less than a day into his five-year sentence. Due to these threats, it was reported that he was assigned two permanent police officer bodyguards, who were stationed in nearby cells for his protection.
Sarkozy has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains that the case against him is politically motivated. An appeals trial is expected to take place later, possibly in the spring of 2026.
