Sarkozy granted temporary freedom during appeal of Libya-funding conviction

By Juliette Jabkhiro — November 10, 2025 1:54 PM UTC
PARIS — A Paris court on Monday ordered the release of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy from custody while his appeal proceeds, weeks after he began serving a five-year prison term for a conspiracy conviction. Reuters
Sarkozy, who governed France from 2007 to 2012, began his jail sentence on October 21 following the court’s September ruling that he was guilty of criminal conspiracy in relation to efforts by close associates to secure funds from late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi for his 2007 presidential campaign. Reuters
The release decision rested on the court’s finding that he did not pose a flight risk, allowing him to be freed on Monday afternoon under supervision. Reuters
Judge Nathalie Gavarino had previously characterised the offence as “extraordinarily serious.” Sarkozy had joined the hearing by video link from prison and insisted he would abide by any conditions imposed. Reuters
Conditions for his release include a prohibition on exiting France and contacting any justice ministry official. Reuters
Sarkozy has long denied wrongdoing and described his prosecution as revenge-driven. His legal troubles also include a suspended electronic-tag sentence for corruption and influence-peddling, and an ongoing investigation into witness-tampering charges. Reuters