Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has begun a five-year prison sentence at La Santé prison in Paris. He was convicted of criminal conspiracy over alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 election campaign. He denies wrongdoing.
In a rare decision last month, a Paris court ordered Sarkozy to start serving time immediately, before his appeal is heard, citing the seriousness of the offense. He may request release while the appeal is pending; judges have up to two months to decide.
Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, is expected to be held in solitary confinement or in a protected wing for vulnerable inmates. La Santé, opened in 1867 and recently renovated, has housed high-profile prisoners.
«I’m not afraid of prison. I’ll hold my head high… I’ll fight till the end,» Sarkozy told French media.
His son called for a support rally in their Paris neighbourhood, while Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said he would visit to ensure security conditions are met.
