Sarkozy Begins Serving Five-Year Prison Sentence 0 9

As previously reported, on September 25, a Paris court sentenced 70-year-old Sarkozy to five years in prison, finding him guilty of conspiracy related to the illegal receipt of funding for his election campaign from the then Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Sarkozy became the first former president of France since World War II and the first head of state from a European Union member country to end up behind bars.

Sarkozy denies his guilt and filed an appeal immediately after the verdict was announced. A retrial is expected in the coming months.

The Santé prison has a separate area for inmates requiring special protection, including high-profile individuals.

Given his age, Sarkozy may apply for parole immediately upon arrival at the prison — such an option is provided in France for inmates over 70 years old.

Last Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron received Sarkozy at the Élysée Palace, and French Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin promised to visit him in prison.