Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has lost his appeal in France’s highest court regarding his conviction for corruption and influence peddling during his time in office. The court upheld the decision that Sarkozy had tried to bribe a magistrate for information about a legal case in which he was implicated. As a result, Sarkozy faces a year in prison, but may request to serve his sentence at home with an electronic bracelet.
Despite his conviction, Sarkozy, who served as president from 2007 to 2012, remains influential in French conservative politics. He has expressed his willingness to accept the consequences of the court’s ruling but maintains his innocence. His lawyer has confirmed that he will comply with the sentencing, which includes wearing an electronic bracelet.
This historic ruling marks the first time a former French president has been convicted and sentenced to prison for actions during their term. Sarkozy is also facing another trial next month over allegations of illegal financing from the late Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi during his 2007 campaign. Despite these legal challenges, Sarkozy continues to maintain his innocence and plans to take his case to the European Court of Human Rights for further review.
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