Conviction of Nicolas Sarkozy: His Electronic Bracelet Fitted This Friday

Nicolas Sarkozy, former President of the Republic, had his electronic bracelet fitted this Friday, February 7, in the early afternoon, in accordance with the decision of the sentence enforcement judge made during an interview on January 28. This measure follows his final conviction pronounced on December 18 by the Court of Cassation, confirming a one-year prison sentence under electronic monitoring in the Bismuth case, for corruption of a magistrate and influence peddling by a person holding public authority.

Sentence Modalities and Freedom Restrictions

The former head of state, aged 70, will be allowed to leave his home between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., with an extension until 9:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, corresponding to the days he appears before the Paris court in connection with the suspected Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign. This trial will continue until April 10.

Despite the legal possibility of requesting immediate parole due to his age, Nicolas Sarkozy has chosen not to pursue this option, considering that it might be poorly received by public opinion. Additionally, he has renounced all his international and representational commitments linked to his status as a former president, including participation in official ceremonies such as the July 14 festivities.

This conviction is unprecedented for a former French head of state. Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty of attempting to illegally obtain confidential information about the Bettencourt case by using his lawyer, Thierry Herzog, and magistrate Gilbert Azibert, in exchange for the promise of an honorary position in Monaco.