Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from prison after spending just three weeks behind bars of his five-year prison sentence. The 70-year-old politician was convicted for his involvement in a criminal conspiracy related to his 2007 election campaign funding.
Court Approves Early Release
Sarkozy's vehicle was spotted leaving La Santé prison in Paris shortly before 3:00 PM local time, less than ninety minutes after a court approved his early release request. The former center-right leader was later seen arriving at his residence in western Paris, marking his return to freedom.
The dramatic development comes after Sarkozy's legal team immediately filed for his release following the October 21st sentencing. The court agreed to free him under strict conditions, including judicial supervision and a ban on leaving French territory.
Controversial Libyan Connection
The case centers around allegations that Sarkozy conspired to finance his successful 2007 presidential campaign using money from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The former president received a five-year prison sentence for his role in what has become known as the "Libyan dossier."
Christophe Ingrain, one of Sarkozy's attorneys, celebrated the release as "a step forward" and confirmed that their legal team is now preparing for the appeal trial scheduled for March next year.
Strict Conditions of Release
Sarkozy's freedom comes with significant restrictions imposed by the court. He is prohibited from contacting any employees of the justice ministry and banned from communicating with other witnesses involved in the Libyan case.
During his brief incarceration, Sarkozy described his experience in solitary confinement as "gruelling" and "a nightmare" during a court appearance via video link. However, he acknowledged the professionalism of prison staff, stating they had shown "exceptional humanity" and made his time behind bars "bearable."
The former president maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, telling the court he never had the "mad idea" of requesting money from Gaddafi and vowing he would "never admit to something I haven't done."
Sarkozy's wife, singer and model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, along with two of his sons, were present in the courtroom to show their support during the hearing that led to his release.
This case marks a significant moment in French political history, as Sarkozy becomes the first former French leader jailed since World War II collaborationist leader Philippe Pétain was imprisoned for treason in 1945.
