Share this @internewscast.com
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been freed after a Paris court ruled he could be released while he appeals against his conviction for conspiring to raise funds from Libya.
Sarkozy was sent to prison on 21 October after he was found 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.
The former conservative leader, who was president from 2007 to 2012, told the court that being in jail had been tough.

Upon his return home on Monday, he took to X to express that “truth will eventually triumph,” underscoring a life lesson he holds dear.

He mentioned that his attention would now shift to the appeals process, noting that “the conclusion to this narrative is yet to be determined.”

Sarkozy’s five-year prison sentence was implemented without delay, due to what judges described in September as the “exceptional gravity” of his offense. His confinement at La Sante prison in Paris marked a dramatic downfall for the former French president.

The court said he did not represent a flight risk and therefore did not have to remain in prison until his appeal.
His release was based on specific criteria, such as whether there was a risk he could flee, and is no indication of whether his appeal is likely to succeed.
“Vive la liberte” (Long live freedom), Sarkozy’s youngest son, Louis, posted on his X account with a childhood photo of himself smiling alongside his father.

Tune in to explore

But the public prosecutor on Monday recommended that Sarkozy be freed pending his appeal of the guilty verdict.

The court agreed to release him under judicial supervision, which includes a ban on leaving France and a ban on talking to any justice ministry official.

Prison is draining, Sarkozy says

Sarkozy has consistently denied wrongdoing, calling himself a victim of revenge and hatred. He did not attend Monday’s hearing in person but was taking part via video link from prison.
He told the court he would respect any demand from the judiciary if he were 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 faced several legal battles since leaving office.
Last year, France’s highest court upheld a conviction for corruption and influence peddling, ordering him to wear an electronic tag for a year, a first for a former French head of state. The tag has now been removed.
Also last year, an appeals court confirmed a separate conviction for illegal campaign financing over his failed re-election bid in 2012. A final ruling from France’s highest court is expected on that case this month.
Sarkozy is also under formal investigation in another case for being an accessory to witness tampering.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'Our goal is to clear his name': AFL great breaks down in tears after son's rape conviction

Heartbreaking Plea: AFL Icon Vows to Clear Son’s Name Following Controversial Rape Conviction

Former AFL star Stephen Silvagni became emotional as he delivered a heartfelt…
Most shocking of all, a truck driver was snapped driving at 100 km/hr with no seatbelt, with a mobile phone in one hand and a laptop in the other.

Advanced AI Safety Cameras Unveil Astonishing Driver Behaviors

Western Australia’s new AI safety cameras have fined more than 31,000 distracted,…
The Reddit logo in the tech giant's office.

Reddit Initiates Legal Action in High Court Against Social Media Ban

In a bold move, Reddit has initiated a High Court challenge against…
Urgent flash flood warning for millions today

Millions Brace for Impact: Urgent Flash Flood Warnings Issued Today

Areas threatened include metropolitan Sydney, the Illawarra, and parts of the state’s…

State Health Ministers Push Back on Federal Funding Amid Crisis of 3,000 Stranded Senior Patients

State and territory health ministers warn more than 3,000 older Australians are…
Tomago Aluminium

Government Intervention Secures Over 1,000 Jobs with Strategic Aluminium Smelter Agreement

Australia’s largest aluminium smelter has secured its future, saving over 1,000 jobs,…
British backpacker jailed for e-scooter crash that killed Perth dad

British Backpacker Faces Jail Time Over Fatal E-Scooter Accident in Perth Involving Local Father

An English tourist has been sentenced to four years in prison after…
The US military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.

US Imposes Sanctions on Venezuelan Leader’s Nephews Following Tanker Seizure

The US has imposed sanctions on three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás…
The $10.2 billion project promises to get more than 9000 of trucks off local roads and save drivers up to 20 minutes on travel time when it opens on Sunday.

Melbourne’s West Gate Tunnel Set to Open: What Drivers Can Expect

Melbourne motorists will finally reap the rewards of the long-awaited West Gate…

South Australia Unveils Comprehensive $674 Million Plan to Combat Domestic Violence Following In-Depth Investigation

The South Australian government has accepted 129 of 136 recommendations “in full,…
The damning evidence against Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin

New Revelations Uncover Critical Evidence in Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Assassination Plot

Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man accused of the fatal shooting of conservative…
Brittany Higgins has abandoned appeals against her costly defamation battle loss to her former boss, ex-Liberal senator Linda Reynolds.

Brittany Higgins Faces Bankruptcy Following Defamation Defeat Against Former Liberal Senator

Former political staffer Brittany Higgins has been bankrupted by her former boss,…