Former French President Sarkozy Begins Historic Five-Year Prison Sentence Amid Legal Appeals

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy began serving a historic five-year prison sentence at La Santé prison in Paris, becoming the first modern French leader to be incarcerated. He was convicted of criminal conspiracy related to illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign with funds from Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, a charge he denies and is appealing. Sarkozy's incarceration has drawn significant public attention, with supporters rallying outside his home and prison, and his wife, Carla Bruni, standing firmly by his side during this ordeal. Sarkozy is expected to be held in solitary confinement with limited privileges but maintains resilience, expressing plans to write a book about his prison experience. The case has sparked political debate in France, with calls from some quarters for a presidential pardon while others emphasize the judiciary's independence. President Emmanuel Macron has publicly acknowledged the situation, meeting Sarkozy on a human level while affirming judicial independence.