Former French President Sarkozy Begins Prison Sentence Today

UPDATE: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is set to begin his five-year prison sentence today at La Santé prison in Paris. This historic event marks the first time a former French president has been imprisoned, following his conviction for criminal conspiracy linked to financing his 2007 election campaign with illicit funds from Libya.

Sarkozy, who continues to assert his innocence, is expected to enter the prison at approximately 10:00 AM CEST. The ruling came after a Paris judge determined that his appeal would not delay the start of his sentence due to the significant disruption to public order caused by his offenses.

Inside La Santé, which has housed numerous high-profile inmates since its inception in 1867, Sarkozy may be placed in solitary confinement or in the “vulnerable” section, often referred to as the VIP area. This section is designed for inmates who may face risks from the general prison population. Former inmates have described the challenges of prison life, reinforcing that Sarkozy will not receive special treatment.

In a recent interview with Le Figaro, Sarkozy stated, “I’m not afraid of prison. I’ll hold my head high… I’ll fight till the end.” He has reportedly prepared a prison bag that includes clothes and 10 family photos, as well as three books, with his selections including “The Count of Monte Cristo” and a biography of Jesus Christ.

There is a palpable tension surrounding his imprisonment, with supporters rallying in the upscale neighborhood where Sarkozy resides with his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. His son, Louis Sarkozy, has called for a public demonstration to show solidarity with his father, emphasizing the emotional impact of this unprecedented situation.

As Sarkozy makes his way to La Santé, the implications of his sentencing ripple across France and beyond, raising questions about the accountability of political figures and the integrity of democratic processes. Observers are keenly watching how this will affect Sarkozy’s political legacy and the broader political landscape in France.

In the coming hours, updates on Sarkozy’s experience in prison and reactions from both supporters and critics are anticipated, as this story continues to develop.