Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has commenced serving his five-year prison term following his conviction for accepting millions of euros from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi to finance his 2007 election campaign.
Sarkozy, 70, who governed France from 2007 to 2012, has been placed in a nine-square-meter cell at La Santé prison in Paris. The historic prison, known for its past housing of notorious criminals and guillotine executions until the early 1970s, currently struggles with severe overcrowding, accommodating 1,243 inmates in a space designed for only 657 individuals.
Reportedly confined to a solitary cell within the isolation wing for his safety, Sarkozy and other inmates in this unit have limited interaction and are granted just one hour of outdoor time daily. The cell is equipped with basic amenities such as a toilet, shower, desk, small electric hob, and a TV, for which Sarkozy will pay a monthly fee. Additionally, he has the option to include a small fridge in his cell for an additional cost.
Former La Santé deputy head Flavie Rault described the conditions in the isolation wing as challenging due to the complete isolation inmates experience, with minimal contact with others besides prison staff. For security reasons, Sarkozy is under constant surveillance by two police officers housed in adjacent cells.
Despite receiving threats from fellow inmates, including demands related to the Gaddafi case, Sarkozy maintains his innocence. His cell, located in the “VIP” wing of the prison, is on the top floor, offering little respite from the noisy environment present throughout the facility.
While Sarkozy’s lawyer emphasized that the ex-president is not receiving preferential treatment and is subject to the same conditions as other inmates, his wife, Carla Bruni, expressed concern over his well-being during their phone conversation after his first night in prison. Family members are permitted three weekly visits to see Sarkozy.
Sarkozy intends to spend his time in prison reading books, including “The Count of Monte Cristo” and a biography of Jesus Christ, with plans to document his experiences in jail. Despite his conviction for criminal conspiracy in September, Sarkozy has appealed the decision, with a two-month period for judges to review his case and determine the final outcome.