Copyright thejournal
We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Former French president and head of France's Les Republicains party Nicolas SarkozyAlamy Stock Photo French court frees ex-president Sarkozy from jail pending appeal The former leader described his 20 days in prison as “gruelling”. 2.53pm, 10 Nov 2025 Share options FORMER FRENCH PRESIDENT Nicolas Sarkozy has been freed from prison after a judge ordered his release from jail pending an appeal hearing over Libyan funding. During the examination of Sarkozy’s request in court earlier today, prosecutors had requested Sarkozy, 70, be freed after 20 days in jail that the former president called a “nightmare”. A lower court in September found the right-wing politician – who was head of state from 2007 to 2012 – guilty of seeking to acquire funding from Moamer Kadhafi’s Libya for the campaign that saw him elected, and sentenced him to five years behind bars. He entered La Sante prison in Paris on 21 October, becoming the first former head of a European Union state to be incarcerated, and his lawyers swiftly sought his release. The appeal hearing is due to take place in March. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy leaves his car as he arrives at his home after being released from prison.Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo ‘Gruelling’ During the court hearing earlier today, the former leader appeared via video call from prison, wearing a dark blue jacket and flanked by lawyers, saying being incarcerated was “gruelling”. “It’s hard, very hard, certainly for any prisoner. I would even say it’s gruelling,” he said. He thanked the prison staff, who he said “showed exceptional humanity and made this nightmare – because it is a nightmare – bearable.” Prosecutor Damien Brunet asked that Sarkozy’s request for release be granted. Advertisement “The risks of collusion and pressure on witnesses justify the request for release under judicial supervision,” he said. In the courtroom showing their support were his wife, the singer and model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and two of the former president’s sons. The lower court in late September ordered Sarkozy to go to jail, even if he appealed, due to the “exceptional gravity” of the conviction. But the appeals case means that Sarkozy is now presumed innocent again, and the court therefore evaluated his need for pre-trial detention. Under French law, he can only be kept behind bars if no other way can be found to safeguard evidence, prevent witness tampering, stop him from escaping or reoffending, or to protect him. Piles of letters In La Sante prison, the former president was separated from the general population with two bodyguards occupying a neighbouring cell to ensure his safety. Prison wardens have said the move is an insult to their profession, but Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has said it is necessary in view of his “status” and “the threats against him”. Sarkozy late last month also received a visit from Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, despite warnings from France’s top prosecutor Remy Heitz that it risked “undermining the independence of magistrates” before the appeal hearing. Sarkozy is the first French leader to be incarcerated since Philippe Petain, the Nazi collaborationist head of state, who was jailed after World War II. His social media account last week posted a video of piles of letters, postcards and packages it said had been sent to him, some including a collage, a chocolate bar or a book. On the day he entered jail, a large crowd sang the national anthem outside his home and urged him to “come back quick”. Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “French court frees ex-president Sarkozy from jail pending appeal”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “French court frees ex-president Sarkozy from jail pending appeal”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... la sante prison Nicolas Sarkozy News in 60 seconds Trial to begin of four gardaí and retired superintendent for alleged perverting course of justice Man (22) who stabbed woman in vagina in misogynistic attack jailed for 9 years Trump threatens legal action against the BBC over misleading edit to speech as chairman apologises 22 mins ago Weather Warning Status Yellow rain warning to come into force for eight counties tomorrow 54 mins ago Woman (40s) in a critical condition after two-vehicle collision in Co Sligo alexander mccartney PSNI ‘did not have capacity’ to manage risk posed by abuser behind major catfishing case O’Devaney Gardens Applications to open later this month for 99 affordable purchase homes and apartments in Dublin BBC director general Tim Davie resigns after criticism of Trump documentary edit Weather Warning Status Yellow rain warning to come into force for eight counties tomorrow 54 mins ago Investigation after attack on 13-year-old boy from Bangladeshi community is recorded and shared online Man arrested following Ballyhale Shamrocks v Kilcormac-Killoughey club hurling clash more from us Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online
