A Paris court on Thursday found former French President Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy in connection with allegations that his 2007 presidential campaign drew illicit support from the regime of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Judges concluded that between 2005 and 2007 Sarkozy participated in a group that prepared a corruption offense, satisfying the elements of the conspiracy charge.
Acquittals on Major Financial Offenses
In the same ruling, the court acquitted Sarkozy of passive corruption, embezzlement of Libyan public funds, and illegal campaign financing. The decision preserves the core finding of coordination toward wrongdoing while rejecting the prosecution’s most severe financial-crime claims tied directly to his campaign coffers.
The court has pronounced a five-year sentence. Under French procedure, Sarkozy -now 70- can appeal; any appeal would suspend the execution of a sentence pending review by a higher court.
Prosecution Claims and Defense
During a three-month trial earlier this year, prosecutors argued that millions from Tripoli were clandestinely funneled into Sarkozy’s campaign, a claim he has consistently denied. His legal team likewise rejects the notion that foreign funds fueled his path to the Élysée.
The proceedings also encompassed 11 co-defendants, including three former ministers, underscoring the case’s broad political ramifications. With Thursday’s judgment, Sarkozy becomes the first former French head of state convicted on a criminal conspiracy count arising from alleged foreign financing of a presidential bid.
Source: Euronews.
