Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to Five Years for Criminal Conspiracy

A Paris court has handed former French President Nicolas Sarkozy a five-year prison sentence after finding him guilty of criminal conspiracy related to allegations that the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi clandestinely financed Sarkozy’s successful 2007 presidential campaign.

The court mandated that Sarkozy be taken into custody at a later date, granting prosecutors a one-month window to notify the former president when he must report to prison. Despite the possibility of an appeal, this custodial order will remain effective. If he serves time, Sarkozy will become the first modern French president to be incarcerated.

In addition to the prison term, Sarkozy was fined €100,000 ($117,000) and barred from holding any public office. Previously convicted in two separate trials, Sarkozy had avoided jail time, once completing his sentence under electronic monitoring—a restriction now lifted.

He maintains the option to appeal the verdict or seek parole citing his age of 70.

Presiding Judge Nathalie Gavarino emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, describing them as of "exceptional gravity" and likely to erode public trust.

Alongside Sarkozy, several co-defendants were sentenced: Alexandre Djouhri, alleged broker in the scheme, received six years and immediate detention; Claude Guéant, Sarkozy’s close associate, was sentenced to six years but will not be imprisoned due to health concerns; and former minister Brice Hortefeux received a two-year sentence, which he may serve under electronic supervision.

The court convicted Sarkozy solely on charges of criminal conspiracy, acquitting him of corruption and illegal campaign financing. It also found no concrete evidence that Gaddafi’s funds were directly funneled into Sarkozy’s campaign.

This ruling marks a significant chapter in French political and judicial history, underscoring the rigorous scrutiny faced by public officials.