French newspaper Le Monde reported on Monday that former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is seeking release from prison while appealing a five-year sentence for allegedly conspiring to collect funds from Libya for his election campaign.
The court in Paris is scheduled to hear Sarkozy’s request for release pending appeal, weeks after he began serving the five-year sentence. Sarkozy has consistently denied wrongdoing, describing himself as a victim of revenge and hatred, and will not attend Monday’s hearing personally; his lawyers will represent him before the Court of Appeal.
His lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, stated that Sarkozy met none of the legal criteria requiring “pre-trial detention” and has always complied with judicial requirements. Under French criminal law, pre-trial detention is only allowed to prevent further criminal activity or ensure the defendant remains available to the justice system.
If the court grants his release, Sarkozy may be required to wear an electronic bracelet, post bail, or regularly report to authorities.
The newspaper also noted that since leaving office, Sarkozy has faced several legal battles. Last year, France’s highest court upheld his conviction for corruption and abuse of power, ordering him to wear an electronic monitoring device for a year—a first for a former French president—which has since been removed.
