Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy begins five-year prison term in Paris

Elias Hakizimana Oct 21, 2025Oct 21, 2025 0 Comments

By The Inspirer.

Paris, October 21, 2025 — Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy entered La Santé Prison in southern Paris on Tuesday to begin serving a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy, becoming the first former leader of modern France to spend time behind bars.

Sarkozy, 70, was driven from his home in a motorcade surrounded by dozens of police vehicles and motorbikes. He waved to a small crowd of supporters as his car departed for the prison, where he is expected to be housed either in solitary confinement or within a special “VIP wing” designed for high-profile inmates.

Last month, a Paris court sentenced Sarkozy to five years in prison after finding him guilty of orchestrating an illegal scheme to finance his 2007 presidential campaign with funds allegedly provided by Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors. The former president, who left office in 2012, has appealed the conviction but must remain in custody while awaiting the court’s decision.

**Nicolas Sarkozy walks with his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy after leaving his residence to present himself to prison in Paris on October 21./Getty Images**

According to French media outlet BFMTV, the section of La Santé prison reserved for prominent inmates typically accommodates politicians, former police officers, and others who could face security risks among the general prison population.

In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter) shortly before arriving at the prison, Sarkozy maintained his innocence and expressed sadness over the situation.

“As I prepare to step inside the walls of La Santé prison, my thoughts go out to the French people of all walks of life and opinions,” he wrote. “It’s not a former president of the Republic being locked up this morning — it’s an innocent man.”

Sarkozy described his imprisonment as a “judicial scandal” and said he felt “deep sorrow for France, which finds itself humiliated by the expression of a vengeance that has taken hatred to an unprecedented level.”

**France’s former president Nicolas Sarkozy waves to his supporters as he leaves his residence for prison on Tuesday. /Getty Images**

Despite his defiance, Sarkozy said he remains supported by his family and friends. “I am not to be pitied because my wife and children are by my side, and my friends are countless,” he added.

His lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, told BFMTV that the legal team has filed a request for early release. The court is expected to decide on the matter within two months.

Sarkozy’s conviction marks another chapter in the ongoing legal troubles of the former leader, who has faced multiple investigations since leaving office. The outcome of his appeal could determine whether his prison term will stand or be reduced.