France: trial for Libyan funds, 7 years in prison sought for Sarkozy

Paris (France), 27 Mar. (LaPresse) – French prosecutors have requested a seven-year prison sentence and a fine of 300,000 euros for former president Nicolas Sarkozy, in relation to allegations that his 2007 presidential campaign was illegally financed by the government of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Sarkozy has also been asked to suspend his civil, civic and family rights for five years, a measure that would prevent the former president from holding elected office or serving in any public judicial role. The trial, which began in January and is expected to conclude on 10 April, is considered the most serious of the multiple judicial scandals that have clouded his post-presidential period. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, is accused of passive corruption, illegal financing of his election campaign, concealment of the misappropriation of public funds and criminal association. The former president has always denied any wrongdoing. The accusations date back to 2011, when a Libyan press agency and Gaddafi himself claimed that the Libyan state had secretly paid millions of euros into Sarkozy's 2007 campaign.