Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was granted parole on Monday (November 10), ending his 20-day detention. The Paris court stated that, based on the current circumstances, Sarkozy posed no risk of fleeing the country and was allowed to return home while the appeal process continues, without needing to remain in custody.
According to multiple media reports, Shakoji did not appear in court in person that day, but participated in the hearing via video link from prison. He told the judge, "Prison life is difficult, very difficult, for all detainees. I would even say it is exhausting." Shakoji was previously sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly conspiring with Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi to raise funds during the 2007 election campaign.
｜Extended reading｜Former French President Sarkozy sentenced to five years in prison for Libya funding case
｜Extended reading｜Former French President Sarkozy implicated in Libya-gate scandal, reportedly jailed since October 21
Sarkozy later posted on the social media platform X, saying, "The truth will prevail. This is a fact that life teaches us." He also emphasized that he will focus on the appeal, "The ending of this story is still undecided." It is understood that in September of this year, the Paris court found Sarkozy guilty of "criminal conspiracy" in the Libyan funding case, and he was subsequently imprisoned in La Santé prison in Paris on October 21.
Au moment où je retrouve ma liberté et ma famille, je veux dire à toutes celles et ceux qui m'ont écrit, soutenu, defendu, combien je leur en suis reconnaissant. Vos milliers de témoignages m'ont bouleversé et donné la force de supporter cette épreuve.
— Nicolas Sarkozy (@NicolasSarkozy) November 10, 2025
Le droit a été appliqué.…
Although the court initially ruled that the verdict must be executed immediately, the prosecution recommended on Monday that the court allow Sarkozy to be released on parole while awaiting appeal, and the court ultimately agreed to this recommendation. On the same day, Sarkozy's son, Louis Sarkozy, posted a childhood photo with his father on the social media platform X, with the caption "Vive la liberté!" to celebrate his father's regained freedom.
Since leaving office in 2012, Sarkozy has been embroiled in numerous legal cases. In 2023, the French Supreme Court upheld his guilty verdict in a 2014 corruption case and ordered him to wear an electronic ankle bracelet for a year, making him the first former French president to receive this punishment. He was also convicted of illegal fundraising during his 2012 re-election campaign, and the Supreme Court is expected to announce its final ruling on that case this month.
He is also currently involved in another case related to "witness interference," which has been formally placed under investigation. Although Shakoji has consistently denied all charges and claimed to be a victim of "revenge and hatred," the continuous legal entanglements have severely damaged his political image, making it difficult for him to return to politics.
