21.10.2025 11:10
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy described the process as a "judicial scandal" in a statement he made before entering prison due to his illegal financing case. Sarkozy, who stated, "It is not a president going to prison, but an innocent person," directed harsh criticisms at France's justice system.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy made a written statement before entering La Santé Prison as part of the corruption and illegal financing case against him. Sarkozy described the case, which has been ongoing for over 10 years, as a "judicial scandal," emphasizing his innocence.
"THIS IS A JUDICIAL SCANDAL"
In his statement, Sarkozy said, "I will continue to expose this judicial scandal that I have been subjected to for over ten years. This is a case conducted without a single illegal financing. It is a judicial process based on a document that has been proven to be false."
"MY IMPRISONMENT IS A SHAME FOR FRANCE"
Stating that he did not request any privileges or pardons, Sarkozy mentioned that he has the support of his wife, children, and friends. In his statement, he concluded with the words, "This morning, I feel deep sadness on behalf of France. My country is being humiliated by an expression of a sense of revenge that has reached unprecedented levels of hatred. But I have no doubt that the truth will prevail sooner or later."
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Paris Criminal Court had delivered its verdict on September 25 in the Libya case, where Sarkozy was tried for "concealing the embezzlement of public funds, passive corruption, illegal campaign financing, and forming a criminal organization for the purpose of committing a crime."
The court ruled that Sarkozy did not commit the crimes of passive corruption, concealing the embezzlement of public funds, and illegal campaign financing, but sentenced the former president to 5 years in prison for forming a criminal organization.
Although Sarkozy appealed the decision, it was confirmed that he would have to enter prison before the appeal process concluded due to the nature of the court's ruling.
It was alleged that Sarkozy, who served as President of France from 2007 to 2012, received illegal financial support from then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to conduct his presidential election campaign in 2007.
Following the allegations, an investigation was launched in 2013, and the judicial process, known to the public as the "Libya case," began.