A Paris criminal court sentenced former French President Nicolas Sarkozy to five years imprisonment for criminal conspiracy involving Libyan funds. The court acquitted the 70-year-old politician of corruption and illegal campaign financing charges. Prosecutors alleged Sarkozy accepted money from Colonel Muammar Gaddafi to fund his 2007 presidential campaign. Judge Nathalie Gavarino determined Sarkozy permitted his associates to approach Libyan officials seeking financial support.
The court imposed an additional 100,000-euro fine alongside the prison sentence. Sarkozy maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the decision. The investigation began in 2013 after accusations emerged from Gaddafi's son regarding campaign funding. Former interior ministers Claude Gueant and Brice Hortefeux also received convictions for their roles in the conspiracy.
The court imposed an additional 100,000-euro fine alongside the prison sentence. Sarkozy maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the decision. The investigation began in 2013 after accusations emerged from Gaddafi's son regarding campaign funding. Former interior ministers Claude Gueant and Brice Hortefeux also received convictions for their roles in the conspiracy.
