Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has declared that he is “not afraid of prison” as he prepares to begin a five-year jail sentence in Paris.
The 69-year-old ex-leader, who was convicted for allegedly seeking illegal campaign funding from Libyain 2007, is expected to report to the Sante Prison on Tuesday.
Speaking to La Tribune Dimanche, Sarkozy said he has already packed his bags and is mentally ready for what lies ahead.
“I am not afraid of prison. I will hold my head high, even in front of the gates of Sante,” Sarkozy stated firmly.
He added that he does not intend to seek any special treatment during his sentence.
“I will not ask for any privileges,” he said, noting that his focus will be on reflection and writing while incarcerated.
According to reports from French media, Sarkozy will be placed in solitary confinement for his own safety.
The former president will be housed on the top floor of the prison’s isolation wing and kept separate from other inmates.
He will also have access to two daily outdoor sessions in one of the prison’s three gym and exercise yards.
Furthermore, the former first lady, Carla Bruni, is expected to visit her husband every day during his confinement.
Despite his conviction, Sarkozy remains composed and defiant.
He expressed that he would not complain or seek sympathy, saying that his time behind bars will be spent productively. “I plan to write a book,” he shared.
Sarkozy’s imprisonment follows his conviction on charges of criminal conspiracy related to the 2007 presidential election campaign.
French prosecutors accused his team of accepting illegal funding from Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in Libya an allegation he has strongly denied for years.
This case marks the first time a former French head of state has been found guilty of such an offense involving foreign campaign financing.
Sarkozy, who governed France from 2007 to 2012, lost his re-election bid in 2012 but remained an influential political figure.
He has continued to insist on his innocence and has filed an appeal against the ruling.
His legal team argues that there is insufficient evidence linking him directly to any foreign funds.
As the countdown to his imprisonment begins, Sarkozy maintains a tone of resilience and dignity.
Moreover, his supporters and political allies have expressed solidarity, with many insisting that the former president has been unfairly targeted.
