France’s former president Nicolas Sarkozy has entered prison to begin serving a five-year sentence, becoming the first ex-head of an EU state to be jailed.
The 70-year-old arrived at La Santé prison in Paris early Tuesday in a police car, surrounded by heavy security. His conviction stems from taking millions in illegal campaign funds from Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi during his 2007 presidential bid, charges Sarkozy continues to deny.
“It is not a former president of the republic being jailed this morning, but an innocent man,” he wrote on X as he left his home. “Truth will prevail.” His lawyers said a request for release was filed immediately after he entered custody.
Outside his Paris residence, dozens of supporters waved flags and portraits, chanting “Free Nicolas” and singing La Marseillaise.
“This is truly a sad day for France and for democracy,” said Flora Amanou, 41, who came to show support.
Sarkozy is the first French leader behind bars since Philippe Pétain, the World War II-era collaborationist. According to AFP, he will be held in solitary confinement for security reasons, a nine-square-metre cell, one hour of solo exercise daily, and three visits per week.
Before his transfer, Sarkozy told Le Figaro he planned to bring two books: a biography of Jesus and The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas’s tale of a wrongfully imprisoned man who escapes to seek justice.
Judge Nathalie Gavarino, who handed down the sentence, called his crimes “of exceptional gravity” and ruled that imprisonment would stand even during appeal. The Paris court has two months to review his release request.
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