French lawyer de Vel called Sarkozy's accusation a political decision.

The criminal prosecution of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is a political decision. This opinion was expressed by French lawyer Philippe de Vel in an interview with Izvestia on September 25.

According to the lawyer, despite the verdict of the Paris Criminal Court, the charge of criminal conspiracy and association with gangsters does not have sufficient evidence, since Sarkozy was acquitted on charges of corruption and personal enrichment.

"It seems to me that this is a political decision rather than a court decision," Philippe De Vel said. He noted that despite the opportunity to appeal, Sarkozy will have to remain in prison until the next trial.

The lawyer also criticized the French judicial system, arguing that the judge's decision could be perceived as vindictive. He stressed that there are criminals in France, such as drug traffickers and rapists, who are not being punished, while the former French president is behind bars.

"This is unfair, and it shows the decline of the French system," De Vel added.

In addition, he noted that the actions of current President Emmanuel Macron, which may affect the future of France, are much more dangerous than the decisions of Sarkozy. De Vel expressed the opinion that Macron did not ask the permission of the French people for actions that could lead to an escalation of the conflict with Russia.

In conclusion, the lawyer noted that in France there is a decline in political wisdom and the governing system, which is reflected in the decisions of the judiciary.

Earlier in the day, a Paris court sentenced former French President Nicolas Sarkozy to five years in prison in a case involving illegal financing of his election campaign from Libya. The Franceinfo agency clarifies that Sarkozy was also fined 100,000 euros.

At the same time, the former French leader was acquitted of charges of concealing embezzlement of public funds and passive corruption, which includes failure to perform official duties in exchange for material rewards. Later, Sarkozy announced that he was going to appeal the decision of the Paris court.

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