Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is set to face electronic tagging as part of enforcement following his definitive sentence in a phone tapping case last December. This information was revealed by a close source. Sarkozy’s lawyer Jacqueline Laffont informed AFP that “this action is in its phase, I have nothing more to say.” The 70-year-old Sarkozy, who was summoned to court in Paris just last week to be informed about the details of his sentence, which is unprecedented for a former president. The penalty he is facing is also due to his three-year disqualification.
On December 18th, the Supreme Court finalized Sarkozy’s sentence for misuse of influence and corruption, rejecting his appeal and confirming a one-year prison term along with a two-year suspended sentence. Sarkozy defended himself on a social networking site saying, “I claim my complete innocence and have firm faith in my rights.” This case, known as the “Bismuth case,” found Sarkozy involved in a corruption agreement with his lawyer Thierry Herzog in 2014, where they attempted to obtain information from a senior judge. Sarkozy has always maintained that he faced failure in this matter, but promises or offers in corruption can also be considered a crime under the law.
Sarkozy now has the right to request conditional release, as allowed for individuals over 70 years old under the law. His birthday on January 28th marked his completion of 70 years, after which a date of February 7th was set for the beginning of his sentence. The current situation of former President Sarkozy opens a new chapter in French politics, where legal actions against him could continue in the future.
