Former French President Sarkozy claims 'conspiracy' in defense

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has appeared in court again regarding the trial in which he is accused of receiving illegal financing from Libya for his 2007 presidential election campaign.

Denying the accusations at the Paris Criminal Court, Sarkozy stated, "This is a conspiracy," and added, "Not a single cent from Libya will be found in my campaign."

"THERE WAS NO CORRUPTION"

Describing the accusations as a "10-year slander," Sarkozy emphasized that extensive investigations have failed to produce any evidence to incriminate him, stating, "There is no corruption money in this case because there was no corruption."

Sarkozy, who served as President of France between 2007 and 2012, is being tried on allegations of receiving millions of euros in illegal funds from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The charges against him include embezzlement of public funds, illegal financing of an election campaign, and membership in an organized criminal group. If found guilty of these charges, Sarkozy faces a potential sentence of 10 years in prison, a 375 thousand euro fine, and a 5-year ban from political rights.

In addition to Nicolas Sarkozy, a total of 12 people are being tried in the case, including former Interior Ministers Claude Gueant and Brice Hortefeux. While these individuals defended their innocence in court, Vincent Brengarth, a lawyer for the French anti-corruption and human rights NGO Sherpa, which is a civil party to the case, stated that Sarkozy's defense strategy might prove weak in the face of detailed examinations. The trial regarding the Libya case against Sarkozy is expected to continue until April 10.

The French press had previously claimed in a document published in 2013 that Gaddafi had agreed to help Sarkozy's election campaign. However, Sarkozy had described this document as a "crude forgery." Financial prosecutors, on the other hand, believe that Sarkozy made a deal with Gaddafi in 2005 to provide financing for his election campaign in exchange for easing his international isolation.

SENTENCED TO HOUSE ARREST

Last December, the French Supreme Court upheld a 3-year prison sentence, with 2 years suspended, handed down to Sarkozy in a 2021 trial where he was convicted of corruption and bribing a judge. It was decided that Sarkozy would be placed under house arrest and required to wear an electronic tag.

News Source: 12punto