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Sarkozy Guilty Libya Case Court Rules on Criminal Conspiracy Charges

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Sarkozy Guilty Libya Case Court Rules on Criminal Conspiracy Charges

Sarkozy Guilty Libya Case Former French President Convicted of Criminal Conspiracy

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been found guilty of criminal conspiracy in a high-profile case involving illicit funds allegedly received from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The Paris criminal court delivered the ruling, while acquitting Sarkozy of other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing.

The case, which has spanned over a decade, centers on allegations that Sarkozy used millions of euros from Gaddafi to finance his successful 2007 presidential campaign. Prosecutors claimed that in return, Sarkozy promised to assist Gaddafi in improving his international reputation, particularly among Western nations. Sarkozy, 70, who served as president of France from 2007 to 2012, has consistently denied wrongdoing, arguing that the case is politically motivated.

The investigation into the so-called Libya affair began in 2013, following accusations from Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the late leader’s son, claiming that Sarkozy had accepted millions of euros for his campaign. Additional evidence emerged in 2014 when Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine, a key middleman between France and the Middle East, revealed written documentation indicating that Tripoli “abundantly” funded Sarkozy’s campaign bid. These payments reportedly continued even after Sarkozy assumed the presidency, totaling around €50 million.

Sarkozy Guilty Libya Case Former French President

Sarkozy Guilty Libya Case Court Rules on Criminal Conspiracy Charges

Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, an Italian-born former supermodel and singer, was also implicated last year. She faced charges of hiding evidence related to the Gaddafi case and associating with wrongdoers to commit fraud, both of which she denies. Despite these allegations, the focus remains primarily on Nicolas Sarkozy, whose political career has been repeatedly shadowed by legal battles.

This ruling adds to a series of convictions for the former president. In February 2024, Sarkozy was found guilty of overspending on his 2012 re-election campaign and using a PR firm to cover it up, receiving a one-year sentence with six months suspended. Earlier, in 2021, he became the first former French president to receive a custodial sentence for attempting to bribe a judge in 2014. Following this, the Paris appeals court allowed him to serve his time under house arrest with an electronic tag instead of going to prison.

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The Sarkozy Guilty Libya Case represents a landmark moment in French politics, highlighting both the scrutiny of presidential campaigns and the long-lasting consequences of alleged corruption. With France and Europe closely watching the developments, the verdict underscores the judiciary’s commitment to investigating high-level political figures, regardless of their former status.

As Sarkozy continues to appeal and navigate the legal repercussions, the international community remains attentive. The case not only affects France’s political landscape but also serves as a cautionary tale about foreign influence in national elections. Observers note that the ruling could have broader implications for transparency in political financing across Europe, reinforcing the legal frameworks designed to prevent illicit campaign contributions.

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