Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy left Paris’ notorious La Santé prison after spending nearly three weeks there.
His release today, following a hearing, comes with conditions including a ban on contacting other defendants and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin.
Darmanin controversially visited Sarkozy in prison, sparking criticism from magistrates.
Sarkozy’s release follows his recent conviction for criminal conspiracy, linked to his 2007 presidential campaign, which received funding from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
An appeal hearing is slated for March 2026.
During today’s hearing, the 70-year-old politician said he found prison “very hard” and “exhausting”.
Sarkozy also insisted that he is innocent: “I want the court to be convinced of one thing. I never had any intention, any crazy idea, of asking Gaddafi for any funding. I will never admit to something I did not do,” he said.
His attorney, Christophe Ingrain, condemned the initial detention, insisting his client had “always respected the judicial process” and did not meet any legal grounds for provisional custody.
Following the decision, Sarkozy’s son, Louis – who is standing for mayor in the southeast town of Menton – welcomed his father’s release.
He posted on X a photo of himself and Sarkozy Snr with the caption “Vive la liberté” – “Long live liberty”.
Vive la liberté. pic.twitter.com/hPjTPPFSKk
— Louis Sarkozy (@napsarkozy) November 10, 2025
