Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was defeated on an appeal against a 2021 corruption and influence-peddling conviction at the Paris appeals court on Wednesday, prompting his legal team to pledge a challenge to France’s highest court.
The appeals court upheld the three-year prison sentence. In keeping with the initial decision, the court said two of those years were suspended and that Sarkozy would wear an electronic ankle bracelet instead of going to prison.
“Nicolas Sarkozy is innocent of the charges,” said defense attorney Jacqueline Laffont. “We will not give up this fight.”
Prosecutors had recommended a three-year suspended sentence. However, Judge Sophie Clement upheld the initial ruling and said the case had impacted the country’s institutions.
Prison sentences of a year or less are typically not served in prison if certain conditions are met, such as wearing an electronic ankle bracelet.
Sarkozy, 68, left the courtroom without speaking to journalists.
A conservative who served one term as French president from 2007 to 2012, Sarkozy will take his legal battle to France’s highest court, the Cour de Cassation, Laffont said.
The Cour de Cassation examines lower court decisions based on legal or procedural errors, but not on factual matters.
In 2021, a lower court found Sarkozy guilty of attempting to bribe a judge after he left office and selling influence for inside information about an investigation into his 2007 campaign finances.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
