Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from La Santé prison in Paris and placed under judicial supervision while he appeals a five-year conviction for criminal conspiracy related to allegations he sought campaign funds from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Sarkozy, 70, left prison on Monday after 20 days in custody. He was accompanied by his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and returned to his residence in west Paris under strict conditions set by a Paris appeals court. On social media he said: “The law has been applied. I will now prepare for an appeal. My energy is focused solely on proving my innocence. The truth will prevail.”
The court granted his request for release pending appeal. Conditions bar him from contacting any officials in the justice ministry, including justice minister Gérald Darmanin, and from speaking with others involved in the Libya case. He is also prohibited from leaving France. Prosecutors had reportedly supported supervised release with such restrictions on contacts and movement.
Sarkozy began serving his sentence on 21 October after a Paris court convicted him of criminal conspiracy in a scheme to obtain funds for his 2007 presidential campaign from Gaddafi’s regime. He denies wrongdoing and has lodged an appeal; a new trial on appeal is expected to begin in March, with exact dates to be confirmed. His lawyers described Monday’s decision as “the first step” and said they are concentrating on preparing for the appeal hearing.
Speaking to the appeals court by video link from prison, Sarkozy — wearing a navy suit and flanked by lawyers — described his time in custody as “a nightmare” and “gruelling,” while praising prison staff for being “exceptionally humane.” Defence lawyers said he had faced death threats and had been held in solitary confinement for his safety in a small individual cell, with two bodyguards stationed in a neighbouring cell. Reports said he ate only yoghurt in prison because he feared food could be tampered with; he also declined offers to cook for himself.
The case has stirred controversy. Darmanin, who once regarded Sarkozy as a mentor, visited him in prison last month; France’s top prosecutor warned such contact risked undermining judicial independence, and some magistrates criticised the visit. The appeals court’s release order explicitly forbids contacts with justice ministry officials, naming Darmanin among those restrictions.
Reactions from family and supporters were swift. One of Sarkozy’s sons posted a childhood photo captioned “Long live freedom!” Supporters sent letters to the prison and Sarkozy thanked those who wrote to him. His lawyers emphasised that the release does not alter their intent to challenge the original verdict at the appeal trial.
Sarkozy will remain subject to the court’s supervision measures until the appeal process concludes. His legal team and backers say the next major step is the formal appeal trial next spring, where they aim to overturn the conviction. Until then he will await further proceedings at home under the imposed restrictions.
