Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy to be freed from prison pending appeal, three weeks into five-year sentence

"The former conservative president, 70, was jailed on October 21 after a court found him guilty in September of criminal conspiracy over efforts by close aides to procure funds for his 2007 presidential bid from late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. He was acquitted of all other charges, including corruption and receiving illegal campaign financing. Sarkozy's prison sentence had been enforced swiftly because of the "extraordinary seriousness" of the crime, judge Nathalie Gavarino told the court."

"But the public prosecutor on Monday recommended that Sarkozy be freed pending his appeal and put under strict judicial supervision, with a ban on contact with other indicted individuals and witnesses involved in the proceedings. The prosecutor said that Sarkozy did not represent a flight risk. The court agreed to release him under judicial supervision, which would include a ban on leaving France, BFM TV said. Sarkozy has consistently denied wrongdoing, calling himself a victim of revenge and hatred."

"He did not attend the hearing in person but was taking part via video link from prison. He told the court earlier on Monday that he would respect any demand from the judiciary if he was freed. "I'm French, sir. I love my country. I'm fighting for the truth to prevail. I will comply with all the obligations imposed on me, as I always have," he said. Speaking of being in jail, he added: "It's tough. Really tough - as it must be for any detainee. I'd even say it's draining.""

Nicolas Sarkozy was jailed on October 21 after a September conviction for criminal conspiracy related to efforts by close aides to obtain funds from Muammar Gaddafi for his 2007 presidential campaign. He was acquitted of other charges, including corruption and illegal campaign financing. A judge said the sentence was enforced swiftly because of the "extraordinary seriousness" of the crime. The public prosecutor recommended release pending appeal with strict judicial supervision, bans on contact with indicted individuals and witnesses, and a prohibition on leaving France. Sarkozy denied wrongdoing, joined the hearing by video, and said he would comply with judicial obligations.

Read at Irish Independent