Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been granted early release from prison, having served three weeks of a five-year sentence.
Conviction and Sentence
On October 21, Mr. Sarkozy, 70, was sentenced for conspiring to fund his 2007 presidential election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The sentence was five years, with two years suspended. Mr. Sarkozy has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Conditions of Release
Mr. Sarkozy was seen departing La Santé prison in Paris shortly after a court approved his early release, which is pending an appeal trial scheduled for next March.
Conditions of his release include strict judicial supervision and a prohibition from leaving France. He is also barred from contacting employees of the justice ministry or other witnesses involved in the "Libyan dossier" case.
Sarkozy's Statements
Speaking to a court via video link, Mr. Sarkozy stated that he "never had the mad idea" of requesting money from Gaddafi and affirmed he would "never admit to something I haven't done." He described his period in solitary confinement as "gruelling" and "a nightmare," while also expressing gratitude for the "exceptional humanity" of the prison staff.
Public prosecutor Damien Brunet recommended granting Mr. Sarkozy's release request, provided he was restricted from contacting other witnesses in the ongoing case.
Controversy Regarding Justice Minister
During Mr. Sarkozy's incarceration, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin visited him. This visit prompted 30 French lawyers to file a complaint against Mr. Darmanin, citing a perceived conflict of interest due to his prior professional association with Mr. Sarkozy.
Prison Conditions
Mr. Sarkozy was held in the isolation wing, with his cell equipped with a toilet, shower, desk, a small electric hob, and a television (for which a monthly fee was paid). He also had the right to a small fridge. He was allowed one hour of exercise daily, conducted individually in the wing's segregated courtyard, consistent with solitary confinement conditions.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that two bodyguards were stationed in nearby cells, acknowledging a "threat against him" due to Mr. Sarkozy's status.
Background
Mr. Sarkozy served as president of France from 2007 to 2012. His incarceration marked the first time a former French head of state had been imprisoned since Philippe Pétain was jailed for treason in 1945. Mr. Sarkozy also received a prior conviction in December for attempting to bribe a magistrate for confidential information in an unrelated case, which resulted in him wearing an electronic monitoring tag.