French former President Nicolas Sarkozy has commenced serving his five-year prison term following his conviction for accepting millions of euros from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to finance his 2007 election campaign.
Sarkozy, aged 70, who governed France from 2007 to 2012, has been incarcerated in a small cell at La Santé prison in Paris. La Santé, a historic prison, has housed notorious criminals and witnessed executions by guillotine until 1972. Presently, it is severely overcrowded, accommodating 1,243 inmates despite a capacity of 657, ranking France among the countries with the highest prison overcrowding rates in Europe.
Reportedly, Sarkozy is being held in a solitary cell in the isolation wing for his safety. In this section, inmates are mostly isolated, with minimal interaction and limited outdoor time. The cell includes basic amenities such as a toilet, shower, desk, electric hob, and a TV for a monthly fee, along with the option of a small fridge at additional cost.
Former La Santé deputy head Flavie Rault described the conditions in the isolation wing as challenging due to constant isolation and limited social interaction. To ensure Sarkozy’s safety, two police officers are stationed nearby, owing to potential threats against him.
Amidst maintaining his innocence, Sarkozy’s cell is situated on the top floor in the “VIP” wing, where high-profile and vulnerable prisoners are housed. Despite receiving police protection, his lawyer emphasized that he is not receiving preferential treatment compared to other inmates.
Following his incarceration, Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni, expressed concern after speaking to him, describing the experience as “terrifying.” Sarkozy is permitted three visits per week from family members and plans to have three books, including The Count of Monte Cristo and a biography of Jesus Christ, during his time in jail. In September, he was found guilty of criminal conspiracy, involving alleged illegal funding from Libya for his campaign, a charge he has consistently denied. His legal team has filed an appeal, and a decision on his conviction is pending from the judiciary.