Britney accusation: Nicolas Sarkozy’s battle with justice continues Britney Spears would not have seen her children in a year

A major decision is imminent in the scandal-ridden French ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy’s battle with the judiciary. On Wednesday (9 a.m.) a Parisian court wants to rule on the appeals procedure for bribery and undue influence allegations. The former head of state can hope for a milder verdict than in the first instance. But his legal hurdle race is far from over. The conservative is already threatened with the next trial.

Unparalleled judgment

More than two years ago, the politician, popularly known as “Sarko”, was sentenced to three years in prison on charges of bribery, two of which were suspended and one at home under electronic surveillance. Such a verdict against a former head of state was unprecedented in France’s recent history and a severe blow to Sarkozy. The execution of the sentence was initially suspended due to the tense appeal. On appeal, the prosecutor’s office has now asked for a probationary period every three years. The ex-president, who spoke of defending his pride in his appeal, can therefore hope for a somewhat milder sentence.

According to the court, the former president had tried in 2014 through his then lawyer Thierry Herzog to obtain investigative secrets in another affair from the then Advocate General at the Court of Cassation, Gilbert Azibert. In return, Azibert was offered help in applying for a post in Monaco. The court considered it proven that the three defendants had entered into a “pact of corruption”. It spoke of a “particular seriousness” to the acts, as they were committed by a former head of state. Sarkozy himself denied the allegations, his lawyer calling the verdict “extremely harsh” and “unjustified”.

Embezzlement, corruption, illegal campaign finance

Now the former civil rights star must brace herself for another possible and no less racy trial. Charges have been brought against him for allegedly campaigning for millions from Libya. The financial prosecutor accuses the 68-year-old of embezzlement of public money, corruption and illegal financing of election campaigns. A year and a half ago, Sarkozy was sentenced to a year in prison for illegally financing the election campaign and has appealed.

The investigation into the Libyan affair was based on evidence that Sarkozy’s 2007 election campaign was illegally funded by the regime of then-Libyan ruler Muammar al-Gaddafi. A witness said in 2016 that in late 2006 or early 2007 he brought several suitcases containing millions of euros – prepared by the Libyan regime – to the Paris Ministry of the Interior, which was then headed by Sarkozy. Sarkozy has always denied the allegations.

Sarkozy continues to support civil rights

The Conservatives’ tenure at the Élysée Palace from 2007 to 2012 was marked by affairs with wealthy friends, outrageous members of the government and favoritism. The former right-wing hopeful began his career as mayor. In the end, he lost his re-election as president in 2012 against the socialist François Hollande. Five years later, he failed the party’s internal selection process for the presidential election.

Many civil rights supporters still view Sarkozy as a leadership icon, even though he is no longer in office. But leading figures in the conservative Republicans are now trying to break away from Sarkozy. While in the past he fueled speculation about a possible political comeback, he is now weighed down by his convictions. (oee/sda/dpa)