Historic Conviction: Nicolas Sarkozy Becomes First Former French President Sentenced to Actual Prison Time for Criminal Conspiracy

Historic Conviction: Nicolas Sarkozy Becomes First Former French President Sentenced to Actual Prison Time for Criminal Conspiracy

By staff 360 Raw Magazine International Desk | Paris, September 25, 2025

In an unprecedented ruling in French political history, former President Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced on Thursday, September 25, to five years in prison for criminal conspiracy in connection with the illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign using funds from the regime of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

The Verdict and Its Implications

Presiding Judge Nathalie Gavarino of the Paris Criminal Court ruled that Sarkozy must serve the sentence in prison, even if he files an appeal. This makes the 70-year-old the first former French head of state to face actual incarceration for crimes committed during his political career.

The court acquitted him of three other charges—passive corruption, illegal campaign financing, and concealment of embezzled public funds—but found sufficient evidence of his involvement in a criminal network that sought financial backing from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors.

Origins of the Case: Libyan Money and Political Access

The investigation began in 2011, when Gaddafi and his son Saif al-Islam publicly claimed that the Libyan state had funneled up to €50 million to support Sarkozy’s campaign. Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine, who recently passed away, testified that he personally delivered suitcases of cash to Sarkozy’s inner circle.

According to the ruling, Sarkozy allowed his aides Claude Guéant and Brice Hortefeux to liaise with Libyan officials to secure the funds. In return, the then-candidate allegedly promised to help reintegrate Libya into the international community, support its nuclear development program, and intervene on behalf of Gaddafi’s brother-in-law Abdallah Senoussi, convicted in France for the 1989 UTA Flight 772 bombing.

Political Fallout and Public Reaction

Outside the courtroom, Sarkozy denounced the verdict as “extremely damaging to the rule of law” and maintained his innocence. “If they want me to sleep in prison, I will sleep in prison—with my head held high,” he declared, flanked by his wife Carla Bruni.

The sentence also includes a €100,000 fine and bars Sarkozy from running for public office for five years. Although his age qualifies him for house arrest, the court ruled that he must be incarcerated during the appeal process.

A Legacy Tarnished by Legal Troubles

This marks Sarkozy’s third criminal conviction. In 2021, he was found guilty of attempting to bribe a judge, and in 2024, of overspending during his re-election campaign. Both sentences were served under house arrest with an electronic bracelet.

The current conviction delivers a severe blow to France’s conservative political establishment, where Sarkozy remained a prominent figure. It reignites debate over campaign finance transparency and the accountability of European leaders.

Sources Press office official /EFE/AP/

Photos & video stock social networks official/Facebook / tick tock/stock / stock archive/Nicolas Sarkozy

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