Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy released from prison after three weeks

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from prison just three weeks into a five-year sentence for his alleged role in a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 presidential campaign with funds from late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The Paris Court of Appeal approved his early release on Monday, placing him under strict judicial supervision while he awaits a retrial scheduled for next year.

Sarkozy, 70, left La Santé prison in Paris shortly before 3 p.m. local time and returned to his home in western Paris. Supporters and journalists gathered outside as his car arrived, marking the end of a short but highly publicized incarceration that has reignited debate over the legal battles of France’s former head of state.

The court has imposed several conditions on his release. He is barred from leaving the country and prohibited from contacting other witnesses or any employees of the justice ministry involved in the ongoing “Libyan dossier.” Sarkozy’s legal team said they welcomed the decision, describing it as a necessary step toward preparing his defense ahead of the appeal trial expected in March.

Speaking via video link to the court earlier in the day, Sarkozy described his time in solitary confinement as “gruelling” and said the experience had been “a nightmare.” He insisted that he was innocent and rejected any suggestion that he had sought or accepted money from Gaddafi. “I never had the mad idea of asking for such funds, and I will never admit to something I have not done,” he said.

Writing on social media following his release, Sarkozy reaffirmed his determination to fight the charges. “My energy is focused solely on proving my innocence. The truth will prevail. The end of the story is yet to be written,” he posted.

During his time in custody, Sarkozy received a visit from Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, a former colleague and close ally. The visit sparked controversy among French legal professionals, with a group of 30 lawyers filing a formal complaint alleging a potential conflict of interest given Darmanin’s past association with the former president.

In court, Sarkozy expressed gratitude to prison staff who, he said, had treated him with dignity. They have shown exceptional humanity, he told the judges, adding that their professionalism had made his time behind bars “bearable.”

Sarkozy’s wife, singer and model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and two of his sons were present in the courtroom to support him during the hearing. For now, Sarkozy remains free under judicial supervision as his legal team prepares for what is expected to be a high-profile appeal that could shape the final chapter of his political legacy.