French court orders release of former president Sarkozy pending appeal
"The court declares the application for release admissible and places you under judicial supervision," announced the president of the Paris Court of Appeal, according to reports.
As part of the release conditions, Sarkozy is prohibited from contacting Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin and is barred from leaving French territory, with the court citing that “the risk of pressure or collusion” with co-defendants and key witnesses “cannot be completely ruled out,” many of whom are located abroad.
Following the decision, one of Sarkozy’s lawyers, Christophe Ingrain, told reporters that "the next step" is an appeal trial in the case concerning Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign.
Prosecutors had supported the release under judicial supervision, highlighting Sarkozy’s record of attending court proceedings and cooperating with authorities, while maintaining restrictions to prevent interference with co-defendants or witnesses.
Speaking via video during the court session, Sarkozy described his brief time in prison as a “nightmare” and a “grueling” experience.
In September, he was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy in connection with alleged Libyan funding of his 2007 election campaign. While the court found him guilty of criminal conspiracy, Sarkozy was acquitted of charges related to passive corruption and other illegal campaign financing allegations.
Sarkozy, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, entered prison shortly after the sentencing, prompting his legal team to file the release request.
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