Ex-French Leader Begins Prison Sentence Amidst Controversy
For the first time in the history of modern France, a former president has been incarcerated. Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, is now serving a five-year prison sentence in Paris, due to charges related to campaign financing. He's being held accountable for illegally funding his 2007 election campaign using money from Libya.
Sarkozy, aged 70, exited his Paris residence earlier with his wife, a renowned former supermodel and singer. They walked hand-in-hand before he got into a police vehicle, surrounded by the cheers of hundreds of supporters. Shortly thereafter, he was taken to the infamous La Santé prison, where he'll be serving his sentence alone.
Contesting the Verdict
Sarkozy, who was found guilty of criminal conspiracy last month, has voiced strong objections to both the ruling and the unusual decision to imprison him while his appeal is pending. His legal team filed an immediate petition for his release on the day he was imprisoned.
His lawyer voiced his concern and disappointment, referring to Sarkozy’s imprisonment as a disgrace to France and its institutions. On his way to prison, Sarkozy also made a public statement, asserting his innocence and denouncing what he calls a "judicial scandal". He vowed to continue his fight for the truth.
He shared with a local newspaper that he would bring the maximum of three books allowed in prison, one of which is a biography of Jesus Christ. Despite the circumstances, Sarkozy remains defiant, stating that he isn't afraid of prison and will continue to fight until the end.
Life in Solitary Confinement
Due to security reasons, Sarkozy's lawyers have stated that he will be kept in isolation from other inmates. He will be allowed to go outside for one solitary hour each day and will receive three family visits per week. There are also plans for him to write a book about his experience in prison.
One of his lawyers expressed his dismay at the perceived injustice, praising Sarkozy's resilience during these trying times. According to him, Sarkozy hasn't asked for special treatment and has remained composed.
Public Response and Support
News of Sarkozy's journey from the presidential palace to prison has been a hot topic in France. Upon leaving their home, Sarkozy and his wife were greeted by family members as well as hundreds of supporters chanting his name and singing the national anthem.
Many French citizens have shown their support for Sarkozy, expressing their disbelief and calling the situation scandalous. Some even feel implicated by the charges against him, as they had voted for him in the election.
Maintaining Influence
Despite being retired from politics for years, Sarkozy continues to wield significant influence, particularly within conservative circles. His meeting with the current President, Emmanuel Macron, at the presidential palace last week, sparked significant commentary. Macron explained that it was only human to offer support to a predecessor in such circumstances. However, he refrained from commenting on the judicial decision.
The decision to imprison Sarkozy before his appeal is heard was due to "the seriousness of the disruption to public order caused by the offense." The ruling also stated that Sarkozy used his position for corruption at the highest level from 2005 to 2007. Now behind bars, Sarkozy has filed a request for release to the appeals court, which has up to two months to process it.