French court frees Sarkozy from jail pending appeal

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.

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