The former head of state was sentenced to five years in prison for “criminal association” as part of the Libyan funding suspicion case in his 2007 campaign. Nicolas Sarkozy will know his conditions of detention on October 13, when he could be imprisoned, marking a historic precedent under the Fifth Republic.
An unprecedented condemnation in French history
The Paris Criminal Court rendered a heavy judgment: five years in prison for Nicolas Sarkozy. The former president, who claims his innocence, denounced a verdict of “an extreme gravity for the rule of law”. If he is still free for the moment, he will have to meet a magistrate of the execution of the sentences on October 13. This meeting will fix his place and his terms of detention, after which he will have to present himself in prison.
Eight Île-de-France establishments are likely to welcome the ex-president. According to several media, the health prison, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, is the most likely option. A cell would already be ready in the neighborhood for vulnerable people (QPV), a secure wing welcoming former political leaders and publicized prisoners.
Strict conditions of detention, without privilege
The QPV, renovated five years ago, offers individual cells from 10 to 12 m² with shower. However, Nicolas Sarkozy would not benefit from special advantages: number of visiting rooms, telephone calls and access to the canteen will be identical to those of other prisoners.
At 70 years old, he may quickly file a request for sentence or release under judicial supervision, under article 729 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The investigating chamber of the Paris Court of Appeal will have ten days to rule.
