Paris, France – November 10, 2025 – Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from prison after serving three weeks of a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy linked to his 2007 presidential campaign. The Paris court ruled that Sarkozy, 70, will remain under judicial supervision while he appeals his conviction.

Details of Sarkozy’s Release and Legal Restrictions

Under the court’s ruling, Sarkozy is prohibited from leaving France and may be required to wear an electronic monitoring device while residing at home. He was accompanied in court by his wife, Carla Bruni, and his sons, Pierre and Jean Sarkozy.

The court determined that Sarkozy did not represent a flight risk, allowing him to be released pending the appeal process, which is expected to continue into next year. He is also barred from contacting France’s Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin, as part of the judicial supervision conditions.

Conviction Background: Libya Funding Scandal

In September 2025, Sarkozy was found guilty of criminal conspiracy for attempting to secure funding for his 2007 presidential campaign from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The ruling stems from allegations that Sarkozy promised to improve Gaddafi’s international image in exchange for campaign financing.

However, Sarkozy was acquitted of separate charges related to corruption and illegal campaign financing. While the court concluded that he conspired to obtain funds, it did not find evidence that he personally received or used the money during his campaign.

Sarkozy’s Time in Prison

Sarkozy began his prison term on October 21, 2025, at La Santé prison in Paris. Reports indicated that he faced mockery from fellow inmates and described his experience as “very hard” and “gruelling.” Speaking via videolink from prison during Monday’s hearing, he insisted that his imprisonment was politically motivated.

“I had never imagined I would experience prison at 70,” Sarkozy said. “This ordeal was imposed on me, and I lived through it. It’s hard, very hard.”

During the 50-minute hearing, he denied all wrongdoing, asserting, “I will never confess to something I didn’t do. Truth will prevail. This is a fact that life teaches us.” He stated that he will now focus on his appeal, adding, “the end of the story remains to be written.”

Pending Investigations and Future Legal Proceedings

Sarkozy remains under formal investigation in a separate case involving alleged witness tampering, which could lead to further legal challenges. French law generally allows defendants to be released pending appeal unless they pose a flight risk or a threat to public order.

Prosecutors maintain that Sarkozy conspired to obtain Gaddafi’s financial support, a sensitive issue given Libya’s international reputation following the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.

Public and Political Reactions

The release of Sarkozy has drawn attention both in France and internationally. As a former head of state, his case continues to be a major point of discussion regarding political accountability and campaign financing ethics in France.

While the former president focuses on his appeal, legal analysts note that the proceedings could set important precedents for how France handles cases involving high-profile political figures.