Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy returned home on Monday after a Paris court granted his release pending appeal, following his conviction for criminal conspiracy over alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign.
The 70-year-old former leader was found guilty on September 25, 2025, of “criminal conspiracy” in connection with funds allegedly channelled from the regime of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The court described the offence as highly serious, sentencing him to five years in prison, a €100,000 fine, and a five-year ban from public office.
Sarkozy began serving his sentence on October 21 at La Santé Prison in Paris, a historic first for a modern French head of state.
The judges described the offence as being of “extraordinary seriousness,” saying it justified his immediate imprisonment, which marked one of the most dramatic moments in recent French political history.
During his detention, Sarkozy described his time behind bars as “tough, really tough, draining, as it would be for any detainee.” He reaffirmed his faith in France’s judicial process, saying, “I’m French, sir. I love my country. I’m fighting for the truth to prevail. I will comply with all obligations imposed on me, as I always have.”
The Paris appeal court ruled that Sarkozy did not pose a flight risk and could therefore be freed while awaiting his appeal trial.
His release comes under strict judicial supervision, including a ban on leaving France and restrictions on contacting certain individuals involved in the case.
Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming he is the victim of “political persecution”. Writing on social media after his release, he said, “Truth will prevail… the end of the story remains to be written.”
He has vowed to focus on preparing his appeal, expected to be heard in early 2026.
Since leaving office, Sarkozy has faced a series of legal troubles. In 2023, France’s highest court upheld his corruption and influence-peddling conviction, requiring him to serve a year under electronic surveillance, a first for a former French president.
Celebrating his father’s release, Sarkozy’s youngest son, Louis Sarkozy, posted a childhood photo of them together with the caption “Vive la liberté” (Long live freedom), a gesture that quickly went viral among supporters.
While his release offers a brief reprieve, Sarkozy’s legal challenges are far from over.
The upcoming appeal will determine whether he can overturn the verdicts that continue to cast a long shadow over his post-presidency.
