Sarkozy in Sante prison: conditions of detention of the ex-president of France

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has begun serving a five-year sentence in Paris' famous Sante prison, the first time in the history of the Fifth Republic that a former head of state has been jailed. For more information about the conditions of detention and the prison itself, see the Izvestia article.

A historic prison for famous prisoners

Sante Prison was founded in 1867 by order of Napoleon III and is located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. The name of the institution translates as "health" — this is due to the proximity of St. Anne's Hospital. Throughout its history, the prison has hosted many famous prisoners: poet Guillaume Apollinaire, politician Jean-Marie Le Pen, and terrorist Carlos the Jackal.

Conditions of Sarkozy's detention in a maximum security prison

After a large-scale reconstruction in 2014-2020, the prison retained the status of a high-security institution. Sarkozy is being held in a solitary cell measuring 11 m2 with a closing window. Installed in the room:

— Fixed bed and desk;

— TV with a limited set of channels;

— Bathroom with toilet and sink.

According to BFMTV, the use of a mobile phone is prohibited. The prison has a separate unit for "vulnerable prisoners," but according to sources, the former president is housed in normal conditions.

Daily routine and prospects of ex-president's release

Sarkozy's daily routine includes 1-2-hour walks and meetings with lawyers. The lawyers have already filed a petition for release, which will be considered within two months. The politician stated that he plans to use his time in prison to write a book.

The Sarkozy case: Libyan campaign finance

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was charged with collusion with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The investigation claimed that Tripoli had funded his 2007 campaign in exchange for diplomatic concessions and the support of the colonel's entourage, including Gaddafi's relatives.

Sarkozy himself called all the accusations slander. Ten people were involved in the case with him, including former ministers Claude Gueant and Brice Hortefay. All the defendants denied their guilt. The court did not prove that the Libyan funds actually went into the election campaign, but it recognized the existence of a criminal connection between Sarkozy's supporters and representatives of the Libyan regime.

The key witness, businessman Ziad Takieddin, died shortly before the verdict was announced, which complicated the process. Nevertheless, the court concluded that Sarkozy, being a candidate and president, knew about the attempts to obtain Libyan financing and did not hinder them.

As a result, the ex-president was found guilty of participating in a criminal community, but acquitted on other counts. He was sentenced to five years in prison. The former ministers received similar terms: Claude Gueant — six years and a fine of €250,000, Brice Ortefe — two years.

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