Nicolas Sarkozy Granted Conditional Release, Electronic Bracelet Removed

Convicted to one year in prison in the so-called wiretapping case, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy had his electronic bracelet removed on Wednesday, May 14, after wearing it for just over three months. Sarkozy, who turned 70 on January 28, was granted conditional release—an option made possible under French law due to his age, even before serving half of his sentence. The information was confirmed to H24 NEWS by the Paris prosecutor’s office.

Since February 7, the former head of state (2007–2012) had been under electronic surveillance and was only permitted to leave his residence between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.—extended to 9:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to attend hearings in the ongoing Libya trial.

“This measure, ordered on May 14 by the sentence enforcement judge, is fully in line with current law and jurisprudence,” said his lawyer, Jacqueline Laffont Haïk. Despite the release, Sarkozy remains subject to several conditions: any absence longer than fifteen days or any travel abroad requires prior authorization from the judge. He must also respond to judicial summons and receive visits from the prison rehabilitation and probation services.

Another Verdict Pending

Meanwhile, Sarkozy still faces possible conviction in the case regarding alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign. The trial concluded on April 8, and the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office has requested a sentence of seven years in prison, a €300,000 fine, and five years of ineligibility from public office. The verdict is scheduled for September 25.