Prosecutors demand 7-year sentence for former president Nicolas Sarkozy in Libya funding appeal

Advertising Prosecutors demand 7-year sentence for France's ex-president Sarkozy over Libya-funding appeal France

French prosecutors on Wednesday demanded a seven-year prison sentence for former president Nicolas Sarkozy who had launched an appeal against his conviction for accepting illegal campaign contributions from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Sarkozy became the first modern French president to serve time behind bars after spending three weeks in prison late last year.

Issued on: 13/05/2026 - 09:20Modified: 13/05/2026 - 16:45

1 min Reading time Share By: Louise NORDSTROM Video by: Olivia BIZOT

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03:57

Nicolas Sarkozy, 71, is accused of having struck a secret deal with Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi in the run-up to the 2007 presidential election in which the latter would help him fund his campaign. In exchange, Sarkozy would help restore Gaddafi’s international image after Tripoli was blamed for bombing a plane over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, as well as another over Niger in 1989, killing hundreds of passengers.

Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, saying the allegations against him are politically motivated.

Read more'I'm innocent': Former president Sarkozy challenges conviction over alleged Libya funding

The three prosecutors leading the case had asked the judges to find Sarkozy guilty on all counts, including corruption and the illegal financing of Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential bid – which he won.

In September last year, a lower court found the right-wing politician guilty on criminal conspiracy charges but acquitted him of corruption and personally accepting illegal campaign financing.

The case saw Sarkozy become modern France’s first president to have gone to prison. He served 20 days before he was released pending the appeal. 

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

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