October 22, 2025 | 08:29 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, has been sentenced to five years in prison. Last month, he was found guilty of criminal conspiracy for alleged illegal financing of the 2007 presidential election campaign.
Nicolas Sarkozy has declared his innocence. As reported by Sky News, he held hands with his wife before entering the prison to start his five-year sentence.
The 70-year-old man was photographed with his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, on Tuesday morning, October 21, 2025, before heading to La Sante prison in Paris. He was also accompanied by his sons and daughters, Jean, Pierre, Louis, and Giulia, as well as his grandchildren.
Last month, he was found guilty of criminal conspiracy for alleged illegal financing of the 2007 presidential election campaign with funds from Libya. Hundreds of supporters chanted "Nicolas, Nicolas" and sang the French national anthem as he left his home this morning and walked to the car that would take him to prison.
This marks the surprising downfall of Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012. As he prepared to start his sentence in prison, he posted a message on social media repeating his claim of innocence. He expressed deep sorrow for France.
Nicolas Sarkozy is the first former French leader to be imprisoned since Nazi collaborator Marshal Philippe Petain after World War II. "As I prepare to cross the walls of La Sante prison, my thoughts go out to the French people of all walks of life and opinions," Sarkozy said in his statement.
"I want to tell them with my unwavering strength that it is not a former President of the Republic who is being locked up this morning, it is an innocent person."
He added, "I feel deep sorrow for France, which finds itself humiliated by the expression of a vengeance that has taken hatred to an unprecedented level. I have no doubt. The truth will triumph. But the price to pay will have been crushing."
The Case Against Sarkozy
Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years after being found guilty last month of criminal conspiracy. According to Al Jazeera, he was accused of receiving millions of euros in illegal payments from the late Libyan ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, to fund his 2007 election campaign.
Sarkozy has always denied the allegations. His lawyer said that when Sarkozy began his sentence, they had applied for his release. "It is not a former president of the republic being jailed this morning, but an innocent man," Sarkozy said through account X on his way to prison. "The truth will prevail."
Dozens of supporters and family members have been standing outside Sarkozy's house since Tuesday morning, some holding framed portraits. "Free Nicolas!" they shouted as Sarkozy went to prison.
His supporters sang the French national anthem. Neighbors watched Sarkozy's arrest from their balcony.
"This is truly a sad day for France and for democracy," said Flora Amanou, 41, who came to show support.
Parisian, Michelle Perie, 67, said she came to support 'because there is anger, injustice.'
"He's not like any other defendants, he's someone who holds state secrets, he's someone who has always done his job with his head held high. We don't understand," she said.
Sarkozy's lawyer said he will be held in solitary confinement. He will be isolated from all other prisoners for security reasons.
The former president told the French newspaper Le Figaro that he would bring three books, including The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. The book tells the story of the hero escaping from an island prison before seeking revenge.
Editor's Choice: Ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy Gets 5-Year Prison Sentence Over Gaddafi Funding Scandal
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