NewsNicolas Sarkozy under electronic surveillance after conviction

Nicolas Sarkozy under electronic surveillance after conviction

Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of France, has been wearing an electronic bracelet since Friday. This follows a court ruling that convicted him of corruption and influence peddling. It marks the first time in France that such a supervision measure has been applied to a former head of state.

The court trial of Nicolas Sarkozy
The court trial of Nicolas Sarkozy
Images source: © East News | Lafargue Raphael/ABACA
Mateusz Czmiel

The bracelet was fitted at Sarkozy's home, signalling the commencement of his sentence.

The former President is permitted to leave his residence during specific hours: from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on certain days until 9 p.m., due to his involvement in another trial that will continue until April.

Sarkozy challenges the verdict

Sarkozy's lawyer, Jacqueline Laffont, stated that the former President "continues to question the legitimacy of the ruling." In February, he plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, although this does not suspend the sentence.

Sarkozy may apply for early release, which would entail the removal of the bracelet, after fulfilling certain conditions. One of these conditions is reaching the age of 70, which Sarkozy reached on 28 January.

Conviction for corruption and influence peddling

The electronic supervision is related to a 2021 verdict concerning corruption and influence peddling. Sarkozy did not plead guilty, but in December 2024, the Court of Cassation dismissed his appeal. The sentence of three years in prison, including one year suspended, is final. In practice, this entails wearing an electronic bracelet.

The court found that Sarkozy, with the assistance of lawyer Thierry Herzog, attempted to obtain confidential information from judge Gilbert Azibert in 2014. In return, the judge was to be offered a position in Monaco.

Sarkozy withdrew from public life in 2017. In January 2025, he faced court in connection with allegations of electoral campaign financing in 2007 by Libya. This trial will conclude on 10 April.

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