Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has commenced serving his five-year prison term following a conviction for accepting millions of euros from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to finance his 2007 election bid.
The 70-year-old, who governed France from 2007 to 2012, is now confined in a small cell at La Santé prison in Paris. This 19th-century facility has a grim history, having housed notorious criminals and hosted guillotine executions until as late as 1972. Notably, model agent Jean-Luc Brunel, associated with Jeffrey Epstein, was also detained there before his demise in 2022.
Despite being designed for 657 inmates, La Santé holds 1,243 prisoners, highlighting France’s severe prison overcrowding issue. Sarkozy is reportedly housed in a solitary cell within the isolation wing for his protection, where he spends most of his time alone and has limited interaction with others.
Within his cell, Sarkozy has basic amenities including a toilet, shower, desk, electric hob, and a TV for a monthly fee. He is allowed a small fridge for an additional charge. Former La Santé deputy head Flavie Rault described the harsh conditions in the isolation wing, emphasizing the social isolation and lack of contact with other inmates.
For security reasons, two police officers are stationed near Sarkozy’s cell to safeguard him due to perceived threats. A video circulating online showed an inmate threatening Sarkozy, referencing Gaddafi and Ziad Takieddine, a key witness in the case who passed away mysteriously earlier in the year.
Sarkozy maintains his innocence and expresses faith in the truth prevailing. His lawyer affirmed that he is not receiving special treatment in prison despite the police protection. Sarkozy’s family members will be permitted three weekly visits, and he plans to write a book about his incarceration experience.
In a separate case, Sarkozy was found guilty of criminal conspiracy for allegedly orchestrating the transfer of funds from Libya to support his campaign, a charge he vehemently denies. His legal team has appealed the verdict, awaiting a decision on the conviction’s validity within two months.