France sentences ex-president Sarkozy to 5 years over Libya funds

PARIS,— Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in prison on Thursday after being convicted of criminal conspiracy for attempting to secure campaign funds from Libya.

If enforced, Sarkozy will become the first former president of France to serve jail time.

The court’s decision was stricter than many had anticipated. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, will be required to serve part of the sentence even if he appeals the ruling, which he has promised to do.

After leaving the courtroom, Sarkozy expressed his anger and frustration at what he described as a “scandalous” verdict. He told reporters, “What happened today is of extreme gravity in regard to the rule of law, and for the trust one can have in the justice system. If they absolutely want me to sleep in jail, I will sleep in jail, but with my head held high. I will not apologize for something I did not do.”

Sarkozy was convicted over actions by his close aides who attempted to secure funds for his 2007 presidential campaign from Libya under the late dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

He was acquitted of all other charges, including corruption and receiving illegal campaign financing, by the Paris court.

The prison sentence takes effect immediately. The judge allowed Sarkozy only a short period to organize his personal affairs before authorities summon him to serve time, which is expected within a month.

The prosecution alleged that Sarkozy had negotiated with Gaddafi in 2005, while he was France’s interior minister, to obtain campaign financing in exchange for supporting the Libyan government internationally.

However, the judge noted that there was no direct evidence proving such a deal took place or that Libyan funds reached Sarkozy’s campaign, although the timing of transactions was “compatible” and the financial pathways were “very opaque.”

Despite this, the court found Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy because he allowed his aides to contact Libyan figures to pursue campaign funding. Sarkozy, 70, has denied all wrongdoing and maintained that the trial was politically motivated.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, left, greets Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi upon his arrival on Dec. 10 2007 at the Elysee Palace, in Paris. Photo: AP

The conviction covers the period from 2005 to 2007, prior to Sarkozy’s presidency. The court emphasized that after he assumed office, presidential immunity protected him from prosecution.

This ruling marks the second high-profile, immediately enforceable sentence handed down in France this year. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen was convicted in March for embezzling European Union funds and received an immediate five-year ban from holding public office.

Le Pen criticized Sarkozy’s sentence, calling it “a grave danger” that judges are imposing immediate jail terms without waiting for appeals.

Sarkozy continues to wield influence in French politics despite his legal challenges. He had his Legion of Honour, the country’s highest decoration, revoked in June but has remained active, meeting recently with former protégé Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

He has also acknowledged the far-right National Rally party, led by Le Pen, as part of the broader “republican arc” in French politics.

Since leaving office, Sarkozy has faced multiple legal cases. Last year, France’s highest court upheld his conviction for corruption and influence peddling, requiring him to wear an electronic tag for one year, a first for a former French head of state. The tag has since been removed.

In addition, an appeals court confirmed a separate conviction for illegal campaign financing related to his failed 2012 re-election bid. A final decision from France’s highest court on that case is expected next month.

Vincent Brengarth, lawyer for the economic justice group Sherpa, which participated in the Libya case, welcomed the verdict, stating, “This confirms we have an independent justice system that can be brave.”

(With files from Reuters)