PARIS (AP) — Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is set to begin serving his prison sentence on Tuesday, convicted of criminal conspiracy in connection to financial irregularities surrounding his 2007 election campaign, where he allegedly received funds from Libya. This marks a significant moment in French history, as Sarkozy becomes the first former leader of modern France to be imprisoned.
Despite his conviction, Sarkozy continues to contest both the ruling and the decision made by the judge to incarcerate him while his appeal is pending. The journey from the presidential Elysée Palace to La Santé prison in Paris has attracted considerable media attention, captivating the nation amid the unfolding legal drama.
On the day of his incarceration, one of Sarkozy's sons, Louis, called for a rally in support of his father in their affluent Paris neighborhood, where Sarkozy resides with his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. Bruni-Sarkozy, a former supermodel turned singer, has actively shown her support for Sarkozy on social media, sharing photos of their children along with songs dedicated to him following his conviction.
Amidst these developments, embattled centrist President Emmanuel Macron hosted Sarkozy at the presidential palace last week. Macron emphasized the importance of judicial independence but acknowledged that it was a normal human gesture to receive a predecessor under such circumstances. He stated, "I have always been very clear in my public statements about the independence of the judiciary in my role, but it was normal on a human level to receive one of my predecessors in this context."
As he prepares for imprisonment, Sarkozy disclosed to Le Figaro newspaper that he anticipates being placed in solitary confinement, which is a standard procedure for security reasons. He also mentioned the possibility of being housed in the prison’s section for “vulnerable” inmates, often referred to as the VIP section due to its more favorable conditions.
Sarkozy expressed resilience in the face of his imprisonment, stating, "I’m not afraid of prison. I’ll hold my head high, including in front of the doors of La Santé. I’ll fight till the end." Reports from La Tribune Dimanche noted that he has packed his prison bag, carrying clothes and the maximum of ten family photographs permitted during his time in custody.
Moreover, Sarkozy plans to bring three books with him, including Alexandre Dumas’ classic, “The Count of Monte Cristo,” known for its narrative of revenge and escape from an island prison. This choice reflects his determination to maintain a sense of hope and resistance during this challenging chapter of his life.
The Paris judge ruled that Sarkozy must commence his prison sentence without delay, citing "the seriousness of the disruption to public order caused by the offense." Under this ruling, Sarkozy, now 70 years old, will only be able to submit a request for release to the appeals court once he has begun serving his time. Upon submission, judges will have a maximum of two months to process his request.
The implications of Sarkozy's legal battles and subsequent imprisonment resonate deeply within French society, highlighting the intersection of politics and law, and framing a critical moment in the nation’s political landscape.
