In Francethere was an unprecedented judicial event involving a prominent figure in national politics: the former president Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to three years’ imprisonmentof which two are suspended and one to be served with the electronic bracelet. This sentence is accompanied by a further three-year ban from carrying out public functions. This historic decision marks the first time that a former French head of state has received a sentence of this magnitude, underlining the seriousness of the charges leveled against him: corruption and influence peddling.
The Supreme Court of France played a crucial role in this scenario, definitively confirming the sentence that Sarkozy had attempted to annul through an appeal. With the sentence becoming enforceable, the doors are opened to new legal battles, given that the former president’s lawyers have announced the use of European Court of Human Rights. Patrice Spinosi, one of Sarkozy’s lawyers, told theAgence France Presse his client’s intention to comply with the sanction, while continuing the legal fight at European level to defend his rights, which they believe have been compromised by French justice.
The question of the execution of the sentence foresees a complex process, considering Sarkozy’s age close to 70. He will be asked to appear before a judge to define the details relating to the application of the electronic bracelet. The former president’s advanced age could play a role in discussions regarding how to serve his sentence, potentially opening up to home detention.
The focus of the conviction is the so-called “Bismuth” case, which brought to light a alleged corrupt agreement between Sarkozy, his lawyer Thierry Herzog and the magistrate Gilbert Azibert. Investigations allege that in 2014 the three attempted to manipulate the outcome of a court case, in which Sarkozy was a party, in exchange for professional favors for Azibert. Despite the accusations, those directly involved have always denied any wrongdoing, highlighting how Azibert did not actually receive any advantages.
The defense strategy had focused on denying the accusations, criticizing the absence of tangible evidence of the alleged influence peddling and corruption. These elements form the basis of their opposition to the conviction and the starting point for future legal appeals, in particular towards the European Court.
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