Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from prison just three weeks into a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy, following a ruling by a Paris court on Wednesday.
Nicolas Sarkozy, pictured with wife Carla Bruni, was imprisoned on October 21 and has spent weeks in isolation amid safety concerns Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
The 70-year-old, who led France from 2007 to 2012, will remain under strict judicial supervision while awaiting his appeal trial. Under the terms of his release, Sarkozy is banned from leaving France and may be required to wear an electronic tag, post bail, and report regularly to authorities. He is also prohibited from contacting Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin.
In September, Sarkozy was found guilty of criminal conspiracy for allegedly conspiring with aides to secure campaign funding from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi for his 2007 presidential run. He was acquitted of related charges, including corruption and illegal campaign financing.
Sarkozy began serving his sentence at La Santé prison in Paris on October 21, where he was reportedly kept in isolation for safety reasons. His lawyers quickly appealed for his release, arguing that continued detention was unnecessary. The public prosecutor supported the motion, recommending that Sarkozy be freed under strict supervision.
Nicolas Sarkozy, pictured embracing his wife on the day of his detention, will be released from prison pending his appeal trial
REUTERS
Appearing before the appeals court via videolink earlier this week, Sarkozy described his imprisonment as “very hard” and “gruelling,” insisting on his innocence. “I had never imagined I would experience prison at 70,” he said. “I will never confess to something I didn’t do. I am fighting for the truth to prevail.”
His wife, singer Carla Bruni, and his two eldest sons attended Wednesday’s hearing in Paris. Bruni arrived dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, while Sarkozy’s sons left the courthouse before the verdict was read.
Just after 1:30 p.m. local time (12:30 GMT), the court granted the former president’s release, declaring the application “admissible” and placing him under judicial supervision.
Sarkozy will face his full appeal trial next year. Investigators have alleged that he conspired to help rehabilitate Gaddafi’s international image in exchange for financial support — claims he has consistently denied. The court noted that while Sarkozy was convicted of criminal conspiracy, it found no evidence he directly received or used Libyan funds.
He also remains under formal investigation in a separate case involving allegations of witness tampering.
