Former French President Sarkozy Imprisoned: "The Truth Will Prevail"

First Former President Imprisoned in the History of the Fifth Republic

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, aged 70, who was sentenced to prison in the first trial for committing illegal acts during preparations for the 2007 presidential election, has ultimately been incarcerated.

According to CNN and other sources on October 21 (local time), former President Sarkozy was imprisoned that morning at Sant? Prison in Paris’s 14th arrondissement. This marks the first time in the history of France’s Fifth Republic that a former president has been sent to prison. On September 25, Sarkozy was sentenced in the first trial to five years in prison for criminal conspiracy, specifically for allegedly allowing his close associates to approach Libyan authorities for campaign funding ahead of the 2007 presidential election.

Prosecutors claimed that Sarkozy’s camp received a large sum of illicit money from then-Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi and used it for the presidential campaign. However, the court ruled him not guilty on this charge, stating that the flow of funds could not be traced.

Although the first-instance court found Sarkozy not guilty of the core charges, it stated that his actions "undermined the public’s trust," sentencing him to five years in prison, a 100,000 euro fine (approximately 160 million won), and disqualification from running for office for five years. Notably, the court ordered the prison sentence to be executed regardless of whether Sarkozy appeals, which led to his incarceration procedures on this day.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Before Sarkozy was taken to prison, dozens of supporters and family members gathered in front of his residence to call for his release. Leaving his home at around 9:13 a.m., he posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "The person being imprisoned this morning is not a former president, but an innocent man," and added, "I will continue to denounce this judicial scandal and this ordeal that has lasted for over ten years." He continued, "I feel deep sorrow for France, which has been humiliated by vengeance," and concluded, "I have no doubt. The truth will prevail."

Sarkozy is being held in a solitary cell measuring 9 square meters in the isolation section of Sant? Prison. Like other inmates, he is allowed three one-hour visits per week. The cell is equipped with a payphone that connects only to pre-registered numbers, allowing him to speak with family members. He also has access to a gym with a treadmill and a library.

Sarkozy’s legal team submitted a bail application in line with his incarceration. One of his lawyers told reporters in front of Sant? Prison that Sarkozy is expected to remain in custody for at least three weeks to one month. However, the lawyer emphasized that there is no risk of reoffending, destruction of evidence, or witness intimidation, and insisted that the imprisonment is unjust.