Nicolas Sarkozy has been granted his release from prison, as the Paris Court of Appeal ordered on November 10, following his detention since October 21, 2025, for his involvement in the Libyan financing of his presidential campaign. The former French president expressed the difficulties of prison life, stating, “It’s hard, it’s very hard; it certainly is for any inmate—it’s exhausting.”
After twenty days in pre-trial detention, Sarkozy’s release comes under judicial control, with the court following the public prosecutor’s recommendation. His legal team had swiftly filed for his release immediately after his incarceration at the Santé prison in Paris.
The court has imposed restrictions on Sarkozy, prohibiting him from leaving France to mitigate potential influence over his co-defendants and crucial witnesses, particularly former officials from Muammar Gaddafi’s regime scattered around the globe. Furthermore, he faces an extended contact restriction with both Libyan officials and high-ranking French justice authorities, including Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin, recognizing Sarkozy’s significant influence as a former president.
During a recent court appearance via video conference, Sarkozy, dressed in a dark blue jacket, sweater, and shirt, was supported by his wife, Carla Bruni, and two of his sons, Pierre and Jean, who attended the hearing as members of the public.
At 70 years old, Sarkozy’s incarceration marked an unprecedented event in French history, as he became the first ex-president to serve time in prison. He received a five-year prison sentence, which included a provision for immediate execution, after being convicted of colluding to solicit covert funding from Libya for his victorious 2007 campaign. The case has ignited intense public debate, especially regarding the nature of the detention and the immediate nature of the sentence.
The conditions surrounding Sarkozy’s release came under scrutiny, especially after reports emerged that he had met with the Justice Minister while in detention, raising concerns among some legal officials about the potential for compromising judicial independence. The Attorney General of France, Rémy Heitz, noted the risks that these interactions posed to the integrity of the ongoing legal proceedings.
While Sarkozy is set to be released under judicial supervision, possibly with electronic monitoring or house arrest, discussions about his trial continue. Following the September 25 ruling, which included three defendants, one had already been released while another remains in custody due to a higher perceived risk of fleeing. The anticipated appeal trial regarding the Libyan case is scheduled for March 2026, though specific dates have yet to be confirmed.
This situation represents a significant chapter in French political history and raises ongoing questions about the intersection of law and political power. Sarkozy’s release may indeed offer a fresh perspective in the ongoing legal battles, and the upcoming trial will likely reignite discussions regarding accountability and the rule of law in relation to past political leaders.