Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Imprisoned for Libyan Campaign Financing

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has begun serving a five-year prison sentence in La Santé prison in Paris following his conviction for criminal conspiracy related to using Libyan funding during his 2007 presidential campaign. This incarceration marks the first time a former French president has been imprisoned, an event described by his lawyers as a tragic and disgraceful day for France and its institutions. Sarkozy maintains his innocence, stating that an innocent man is being imprisoned and pledging to continue fighting the conviction. Supporters and political figures have expressed solidarity with Sarkozy, criticizing the detention as an attack on the presumption of innocence. His legal team has filed an appeal and requested his release, emphasizing the absence of risk for further crimes or evidence tampering. Despite the difficult circumstances, Sarkozy is reportedly resilient and determined to document his experiences and the perceived judicial injustices he faces.