Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has commenced serving his five-year prison term following his conviction in the high-profile case involving the alleged “Libyan financing” of his presidential campaign. On October 21, he arrived at Paris’s Santé prison to begin his sentence. This event marks a significant historical moment, as Sarkozy is the first former head of state in France to be sentenced to actual time behind bars. Pending the judicial review of his appeal against the conviction, he will be held in solitary confinement, allocated a cell equipped with a private shower.
The vehicle transporting Sarkozy pulled up to the gates of Santé prison around 9:30 AM local time, according to reports from Reuters. Despite the gravity of the situation, the former President maintained a posture of defiance. In an interview published just prior to his incarceration in Tribune Dimanche, he asserted: “I am not afraid of prison. I will stand with my head held high at the entrance to Santé.”
While en route to the correctional facility, Sarkozy published a post on X, claiming he was the victim of hatred and political revenge. He stated emphatically, addressing the nation: “I want to tell the French people with the unwavering strength that is mine, that this morning it is not the former President of the Republic who is going to prison, but an innocent man.”
Earlier that morning, supporters had gathered outside the home of Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Approximately one hour before his required reporting time at the prison, Sarkozy and Bruni emerged from their residence, walking hand-in-hand. Reuters correspondents on the scene reported that the Parisians assembled outside chanted his name repeatedly, shouting, “Nicolas, Nicolas!”
To ensure his safety and maintain order, the former president is being housed in a specialized wing of the prison designed for solitary occupancy. Sébastien Covéla, the director of Santé, confirmed that Sarkozy would have no interaction with the general population of inmates. He is also entitled to two daily periods of outdoor exercise.
The need for isolation extends beyond mere security; staff members informed the AFP agency that solitary confinement is crucial to protect Sarkozy from attempts by other prisoners to photograph him using mobile phones. The facility recently underwent refurbishment, meaning all cells, which measure between 9 and 12 square meters, now include a shower and a landline telephone. However, communication comes at a price: a 20-minute phone call costs 110 euros.
For 14 euros monthly, Sarkozy can access television, and he retains the right to prepare meals and submit laundry for cleaning. Sarkozy disclosed to Figaro that he would be taking three books from home into his cell. Notably, this selection includes Alexandre Dumas’s classic novel, “The Count of Monte Cristo,” which tells the story of a hero unjustly imprisoned. Furthermore, his lawyer, Jean-Michel Darrois, confirmed that Sarkozy brought along warm sweaters and earplugs, anticipating that the prison environment might be cold.
The public response to the verdict has been mixed but largely supportive of the judiciary’s decision. A poll conducted by the Elabe agency in early October indicated that 58% of French citizens considered Sarkozy’s sentence to be impartial. Furthermore, 61% expressed support for the decision to detain him while his appeal process is underway.