Will Sarkozy’s prison nightmare end?
Nicolas Sarkozy, who was found guilty by the French judiciary of financing his 2007 presidential campaign with Libyan money, has been in the La Sante prison in Paris since October 21, awaiting an appeal for his release.
He is the first president in the European Union to be imprisoned.
French media reported during this time that despite the security measures in the prison, which has a solitary confinement section, he had been threatened by prisoners and is said to have lost confidence in the prison food.
The AFP reported that Sarkozy called the imprisonment “difficult” and “exhausting” in today’s court session, and told the judge: “I never had the crazy idea or intention of asking Mr. Gaddafi for money. And I will never confess to something I did not do. I have always responded to every court summons. I never imagined that I would reach the age of 70 and experience prison. It is an imposed ordeal. It is difficult, very difficult.
He added: “I am aware of the seriousness of the charges against me, but three weeks in La Santé prison will not change my attitude. I will respect all my obligations as a Frenchman who lives here with his family.”
He also thanked the prison staff for showing “exceptional humanity” and “making this nightmare bearable.”
If the appeals court rules in favor of Sarkozy’s release on “pre-trial release,” he will have the opportunity to leave prison as early as Monday, AFP reported.
According to Article 144 of the French Code of Criminal Procedure, detention can only continue if it is “the only possible way” to preserve evidence, prevent pressure or collusion, prevent escape or recidivism, or protect him.
Nicolas Sarkozy was elected President of France on May 16, 2007, but lost the second round of the subsequent election to François Hollande, who ceded the post to him.
On September 25, the Paris Criminal Court found the former president guilty of criminal conspiracy for allowing his closest associates to solicit support for Muammar Gaddafi of Libya to illegally finance his 2007 presidential campaign.