Former French President Sarkozy says his time in prison was “draining” and was released pending appeal

Nicolas Sarkozy, the former president of France, was convicted of unlawfully collecting campaign donations from Libya but was released awaiting appeal.

A Paris court released former French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday pending an appeal of his conviction for criminal conspiracy to get funds from Libya for his 2007 presidential campaign.

Sarkozy, 70, was convicted in September and sentenced to prison on October 21. Judges characterized the offense as “extraordinary seriousness,” which made his quick detention a first for a former French leader.

Sarkozy, speaking from La Santé prison via video link, called his incarceration “tough… really tough — draining, as it must be for any detainee.” Reiterating his dedication to the legal system, he said, “I’m French, sir. I cherish my nation. My fight is for the truth to win out. As I always have, I will fulfill all of my responsibilities.

Sarkozy could be released pending the appeal hearing since the judge determined that he did not represent a flight risk. He is subject to judicial monitoring following his release, which includes limitations on his ability to contact specific justice ministry personnel and a ban from leaving France.

Sarkozy, the former leader of France from 2007 to 2012, has continuously denied any wrongdoing and portrayed himself as the victim of political animosity and retaliation. He stated on social media that he would now concentrate on crafting his appeal, saying, “Truth will prevail… the end of the story remains to be written.”

Sarkozy has been involved in numerous legal disputes since he left government. His conviction for corruption and influence-peddling was affirmed by France’s highest court last year, and he was forced to wear an electronic tag for a year, which was unprecedented for a former French president. A final decision on his illegal campaign finance conviction for his unsuccessful 2012 reelection campaign is anticipated this month. He is also still being investigated for possible witness tampering.

In honor of the release, Louis Sarkozy, his youngest son, posted a picture of himself and his father as children online with the comment, “Vive la liberté” (Long live freedom).

The publication provides a brief relief as Sarkozy gets ready to contest the rulings that have clouded his post-presidential image.