PARIS (Reuters) – Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced Thursday to five years in jail for criminal conspiracy over attempts to raise campaign funds from Libya, a spectacular downfall for the conservative who led France from 2007 to 2012.
The ruling, which makes Sarkozy the first post-war French president to face imprisonment, was harsher than expected and stunned allies and opponents alike.
As he left the courtroom, Sarkozy denounced the verdict as “scandalous.”
“If they absolutely want me to sleep in jail, I will sleep in jail, but with my head held high,” he told reporters. “I will not apologise for something I didn’t do.”
Sarkozy was found guilty of criminal conspiracy over efforts by aides to seek funds for his 2007 presidential bid from Libya under Muammar Gaddafi. He was acquitted of other charges, including corruption and receiving illegal campaign financing.
His lawyer, Jean-Michel Darrois, said the defence was shocked. “We hope the appeals court will see things more clearly and will recognise his innocence,” he said.
The sentence is enforceable immediately. Sarkozy has about a month to put his affairs in order before reporting to prison. French media said he is expected to be summoned on Oct. 13, though the detention facility has not been disclosed.
Reuters
