A court found former French President Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy over ties with Libya and sentenced him to five years in prison on Thursday. This is an unusual punishment for a prominent French political figure. Sarkozy will soon be placed behind bars.
The punishment was the first in contemporary French political history and more severe than most people had anticipated. Even if he challenges the decision, Sarkozy, who served as president from 2007 to 2012, will serve time in prison.
Sarkozy said he was upset at the decision as he left the courthouse. “What happened today … is of extreme gravity in regard to the rule of law, and for the trust one can have in the justice system,” he stated to reporters.
