September 26, 2025

In a jaw-dropping verdict, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in jail by a Paris court. Why? He was found guilty of criminal conspiracy with the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, involving millions of euros for his 2007 election campaign. The court also upheld charges of passive corruption and illegal campaign financing against the 70-year-old ex-president. Sarkozy called the verdict "extremely serious for rule of law" and claimed the case was politically driven. Prosecutors said Sarkozy took Libyan money to fund his campaign and, in return, promised to polish Gaddafi's image in the West, as reported by BBC. Judge Nathalie Gavarino revealed that Sarkozy's aides approached Libyan officials who were allowed to fund the campaign, even though Sarkozy himself was not directly proven to have received the money. Alongside five years in jail, Sarkozy was fined 100,000 euros (£87,000). This may be a historic moment—the first time a former French president faces jail time. The case began heating up in 2013 after Saif al-Islam Gaddafi accused Sarkozy of taking millions. In 2014, Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine claimed he had written proof of money flow from Libya to Sarkozy, both during and after the 2007 election. Despite all this, Sarkozy stands firm, saying he's innocent and the charges are politically motivated. "I will appeal, but if I have to go to jail, I will do it with my pride intact," he told reporters. Others tied to the scandal also faced justice. Former interior ministers Claude Gueant and Brice Hortefeux were found guilty of corruption-related charges. Sarkozy's wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, was charged last year with hiding evidence and fraud accusations, which she denies. Since losing the presidency in 2012, Sarkozy has been caught in several legal battles over campaign overspending and bribery accusations. In 2024, he got a one-year sentence for overspending, currently under appeal. The court stated Sarkozy was guilty of criminal association to finance his campaign with Libyan money in exchange for favors, but cleared him of some charges like passive corruption. The court said French law allows conviction even without proving money reached the campaign directly. Sarkozy attended the hearing with his wife and three sons, facing a packed courtroom of reporters and public. The scandal traces back to 2011 when the Libyan regime openly claimed to have secretly funded Sarkozy’s campaign. Investigations included suspicious trips to Libya by Sarkozy's close team. In a strange twist, Takieddine once claimed to deliver suitcases full of cash but later retracted his statement amid witness tampering probes. Takieddine died in 2023, missing the trial. Prosecutors argued Sarkozy knowingly took part in a corrupt deal with Gaddafi's government. Sarkozy struck back, calling the trial a "plot by liars and crooks," blaming the Gaddafi family for revenge after he pushed for Gaddafi’s removal in 2011 during the Arab Spring. Adding to his troubles, Sarkozy lost the Legion of Honor medal in June 2024 following a separate corruption case. Though he had to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet, he got conditional release due to his age. The saga continues as Sarkozy fights all charges, appealing previous convictions. This high-voltage political drama remains a hot topic worldwide, exposing the messy mix of power, money, and secrets. FAQs: Q1: What was Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced for? A1: He was sentenced to five years for criminal conspiracy linked to illegal campaign funds from Libya. Q2: Will Sarkozy go to jail even if he appeals? A2: Yes, the court ruled he could serve the jail term even during his appeal.

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Tags: Nicolas sarkozy, Libya, Muammar gaddafi, French politics, Campaign financing, Criminal conspiracy,