Special Security for Incarcerated Sarkozy Sparks Outrage Among Prison Officers
Seven Police Officers Deployed for Escort and Guard Duty
Police officers have been specially deployed to the prison to guard former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has been incarcerated after being convicted of conspiracy to commit a crime. Prison officers have expressed outrage at this decision, calling it "an insult" to them.
According to Le Monde on October 22 (local time), when former President Sarkozy goes for walks or visits under the supervision of prison staff, he is accompanied by armed police officers. While he is in his cell, two police officers stand guard in front of his cell door in 12-hour shifts. A total of seven police officers are assigned to this special security detail. The decision to provide special protection was made at the highest level about three weeks ago and was kept secret from frontline staff until the last minute.
Officials from the correctional authorities have strongly objected to this situation. One senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "As far as I know, this is the first time something like this has happened," criticizing the move as "a humiliating measure that questions the ability of prison officers to perform their duties." One prison director also stated, "This measure is perceived as an insult to us," adding, "The Ministry of Justice is sending a signal that the correctional administration cannot guarantee the safety of even such a prominent figure as Sarkozy."
Prison Guards' Union: "Exceptional Measures Must Be Withdrawn"
The prison guards' union also issued a statement, saying, "Introducing weapons into the prison under the pretext of protection crosses a forbidden line," and strongly condemned the move as "a violation of the most basic safety rules." The union continued, "This is a slap in the face to thousands of prison staff and reveals that the law is not being applied equally to everyone, which is unworthy of the Republic," demanding the immediate withdrawal of the measure. In contrast, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez justified the special security, saying, "It is standard practice for former heads of state to receive protective measures, given their status and the threats they face."
It has been reported that the police requested keys to the cell from the correctional authorities, but their request was denied. The correctional authorities also prohibited these police officers from carrying mobile phones inside the prison.
Former President Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in prison in the first trial on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, for allegedly allowing his aides to contact Libyan officials to raise funds for the 2007 presidential election. He was incarcerated at Paris Sant? Prison on October 21. On the day of his incarceration, he stated on X (formerly Twitter), "It is not a former president but an innocent person who is imprisoned this morning," asserting his innocence and adding, "The truth will prevail." Former President Sarkozy is being held in a solitary cell measuring 9 square meters in the prison's isolation area, and, like other inmates, he is allowed visits three times a week for one hour each time.
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