Nicolas Sarkozy, once one of France’s most powerful political figures, has been handed a five-year prison sentence after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy. The case stems from allegations that Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign sought millions of euros in illegal funding from late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Though Sarkozy has consistently denied the charges, the Paris court ruled that while there was no direct evidence of money reaching his campaign, his close aides made attempts to secure financing from Libya, leading to his conviction. This marks the third time Sarkozy has faced fraud-related convictions, making him the first former French president to receive a prison sentence with immediate enforcement.
Sarkozy has vowed to appeal the ruling, calling it _“a scandalous injustice”_ and maintaining his innocence. His legal team plans to take the matter to the European Court of Human Rights, but the sentence remains enforceable despite the appeal. Sarkozy will serve part of his sentence under electronic monitoring.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding the judiciary’s independence and others lamenting the downfall of a former head of state who had once been a symbol of French leadership.
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