In brief
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in jail for criminal conspiracy related to illicit funds from the late Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi. Although acquitted of other charges, Sarkozy plans to appeal the decision, claiming it threatens the rule of law. This marks a historic moment as he becomes the first former president in France to be sentenced to prison. The court found insufficient evidence to connect him directly to the campaign financing, leading to a complex ruling amidst ongoing investigations into his past dealings.
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in jail after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy in a case related to millions of euros of illicit funds from the late Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi.
The Paris criminal court acquitted him of all other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing.
The ruling means he will spend time in jail even if he launches an appeal, which Sarkozy says he intends to do.
Speaking after Thursday's hearing, the 70-year-old, who was president from 2007-2012, said the verdict was extremely serious for the rule of law.
Sarkozy, who claims the case is politically motivated, was accused of using the funds from Gaddafi to finance his 2007 election campaign.
In exchange, the prosecution alleged Sarkozy promised to help Gaddafi combat his reputation as a pariah with Western countries.
Judge Nathalie Gavarino stated that Sarkozy had allowed close aides to contact Libyan officials to obtain financial support for his campaign, but there was insufficient evidence to prove he personally benefited from the illegal financing.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of €100,000 ($117,000, £87,000).
There was a shocked intake of breath in the courtroom when the sentence was announced, marking a first for a former French president and a significant blow to Sarkozy's assertions of innocence.
What happened today... is of extreme gravity in regard to the rule of law, and for the trust one can have in the justice system, he said outside the court building.
During the trial, the court examined accusations stemming from a 2013 investigation initiated after Saif al-Islam, Gaddafi's son, alleged Sarkozy accepted millions for his electoral campaign.
The case has attracted considerable attention, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding political influence and corruption in France's political landscape.
Sarkozy's wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, faces charges related to this case as well, denying any wrongdoing.
Since losing his re-election bid in 2012, Sarkozy has faced numerous legal challenges, including past rulings concerning campaign financing oversights and attempts to influence judicial proceedings.
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