Sarkozy Begins Prison Sentence Under Enhanced Security Measures

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has commenced his prison sentence, accompanied by police officers for security during his initial night behind bars. Laurent Núñez, France’s Interior Minister, confirmed that two police officers were stationed in a neighboring cell to ensure Sarkozy’s safety, given his high profile and the threats he reportedly faces.

According to Núñez, the protective measures will remain in place “as long as it is deemed necessary.” He emphasized the significance of ensuring the security of high-ranking officials, noting, “It was a decision aimed at ensuring his security in addition, obviously, to everything implemented by the prison administration.”

Despite the additional security, Nicolas Peyrin, deputy secretary general of the prison guards’ union, expressed skepticism about the necessity of such measures. He stated, “I don’t see why the interior ministry would intervene in detention matters. We already know how to do it very well.”

Sarkozy’s attorney, Jean-Michel Darrois, defended his client, asserting that Sarkozy is not receiving any special treatment. “He is in a nine-meter-squared (nearly 97-square-foot) cell, there is noise all the time. All the prisoners make noise, they shout, they bang on the walls,” Darrois explained. He clarified that, although former presidents typically have a different status in prison, Sarkozy did not request any special status during his incarceration.

Leaving the prison after visiting his client, another attorney, Christophe Ingrain, chose not to comment on the details regarding Sarkozy’s police protections.

Sarkozy was sentenced last month to five years in prison after being convicted of criminal conspiracy related to a scheme to finance his 2007 presidential campaign with Libyan funds in exchange for diplomatic favors. Although he has appealed the conviction, he is expected to spend his time in either solitary confinement or the “VIP wing” of La Santé prison, which accommodates prisoners considered unsuitable for the general population due to safety concerns.

The former president is permitted three visits per week. His wife, singer and model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, has already visited him once since his incarceration. Darrois noted that on his first day in prison, Sarkozy engaged in exercise and began writing a book. He highlighted that Sarkozy’s primary concern is not his own situation but the well-being of his family.

In a show of solidarity, Sarkozy’s brother, Guillaume Sarkozy, expressed pride in his brother’s stance. “I am proud that we share the same name. I am proud that he is going to prison with his head held high, and I am totally convinced of his innocence,” he stated.

As Sarkozy navigates this challenging chapter, the implications of his conviction and incarceration will resonate within French politics and beyond.