French prosecutors seek 7-year sentence for Sarkozy in Libyan funding appeal
Ex-president faces up to seven years in prison over alleged Gaddafi campaign cash
French prosecutors have requested a seven-year prison sentence for former president Nicolas Sarkozy in an ongoing appeal trial over allegations that he sought illegal campaign financing from Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi for his successful 2007 presidential election. Sarkozy, who served as France’s right-wing leader from 2007 to 2012, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a landmark case last year, he became the first modern French ex-president to be jailed—serving 20 days before being released pending this appeal.
The lower court had imposed a five-year sentence only for 'seeking to acquire funding' from Libya, while acquitting him on charges of corruption, illegal campaign financing, and receiving misappropriated Libyan public funds. In the appeal, prosecutors have upgraded their characterization, calling Sarkozy the 'instigator' of a pact to receive Gaddafi’s cash in exchange for helping restore the Libyan leader’s international image after two plane bombings. Sarkozy told the court there was 'not a single cent of Libyan money' in his campaign.
- Prosecutors seek 7-year sentence, up from lower court's 5 years for one charge
- Sarkozy was jailed for 20 days last year before release pending appeal
- Lower court acquitted him of corruption, illegal financing, and receiving misappropriated public funds
Why It Matters
This case could set a precedent for accountability of high-level political figures in France over foreign interference in elections.