A Paris court granted former French President Nicolas Sarkozy early release from jail on Monday, pending an appeal, just weeks after he started a five-year sentence for conspiring to raise campaign funds from Libya.
The former conservative president, 70, was jailed on October 21 after a court found him guilty in September of criminal conspiracy over efforts by close aides to procure funds for his 2007 presidential bid from late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
He was acquitted of all other charges, including corruption and receiving illegal campaign financing.
He is now due to leave La Sante prison in Paris later on Monday afternoon.
PROSECUTOR RECOMMENDED RELEASE WITH STRICT SUPERVISION
Sarkozy's prison sentence had been enforced swiftly because of the "extraordinary seriousness" of the crime, judge Nathalie Gavarino told the court.
He was incarcerated at La Sante prison in Paris last month - a stunning downfall for a man who had led France from 2007 until 2012.
But the public prosecutor on Monday recommended that Sarkozy be freed pending his appeal and put under strict judicial supervision, with a ban on contact with other indicted individuals and witnesses involved in the proceedings. The prosecutor said that Sarkozy did not represent a flight risk.
The court agreed to release him under judicial supervision, which would include a ban on leaving France, BFM TV said.
Sarkozy has consistently denied wrongdoing, calling himself a victim of revenge and hatred. He did not attend the hearing in person but was taking part via video link from prison.
He told the court earlier on Monday that he would respect any demand from the judiciary if he was freed.
"I'm French, sir. I love my country. I’m fighting for the truth to prevail. I will comply with all the obligations imposed on me, as I always have," he said.
Speaking of being in jail, he added: "It’s tough. Really tough — as it must be for any detainee. I’d even say it’s draining."
Sarkozy has consistently denied wrongdoing and has appealed, calling himself a victim of revenge and hatred. He will not attend the hearing but be represented in the appeals court by lawyers.
In French criminal law, those justifications include the need to prevent a continuation of the crime or to ensure that the accused remains available to the justice system.
Tens of millions of people in urgent need of help won't be getting much assistance next year. That's according to the United Nations which launched a ...
Emergency crews were deployed to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Okhtyrka on Monday morning after a residential high-rise was devastated by a Russi...
Nigerian authorities says they've rescued a 100 children after gunmen abducted 303 pupils and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Papiri on 21 Novem...
Following a high-level meeting of the Communist Party leadership on Monday, state media confirmed that China will seek to insulate its economy from ex...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 8th of December, covering the latest developments you need to ...
French naval forces opened fire on a swarm of unidentified drones that flew over one of the country’s most sensitive military installations, the Île Longue submarine base in western Brittany, officials confirmed on Friday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 6th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron to Chengdu on Friday, a rare gesture seemingly reserved for the head of Europe's second-largest economy that highlights Beijing's focus on Paris in its ties with the European Union.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Chinese leader Xi Jinping to cooperate more closely on geopolitics, trade and the environment, as the European Union seeks China's help to end the war in Ukraine.
A coup attempt by a “small group of soldiers” has been foiled in Benin after hours of gunfire struck parts of the economic capital Cotonou, officials said on Sunday.
A delayed local vote in the rural Honduran town of San Antonio de Flores has become a pivotal moment in the country’s tightest presidential contest, with both campaigns watching its results as counting stretches into a second week.
FIFA releases the 2026 World Cup schedule with match dates, venues, and key fixtures. See when host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada play and get an overview of group stage and knockout rounds.
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent.
McLaren’s Lando Norris became Formula One world champion for the first time in Abu Dhabi, edging Max Verstappen to the title by just two points after a tense season finale.
Tens of millions of people in urgent need of help won't be getting much assistance next year. That's according to the United Nations which launched a $23 billion aid appeal on Monday (8 December) which is half of last year's request, acknowledging a plunge in donor funding.
Emergency crews were deployed to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Okhtyrka on Monday morning after a residential high-rise was devastated by a Russian drone barrage, leaving several civilians wounded as the conflict approaches the end of its fourth year.
Nigerian authorities says they've rescued a 100 children after gunmen abducted 303 pupils and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Papiri on 21 November.
Following a high-level meeting of the Communist Party leadership on Monday, state media confirmed that China will seek to insulate its economy from external volatility by turning inward, pledging to "keep expanding domestic demand" through a suite of "more proactive" policies.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 8th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment