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Rabat – Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s lawyers have requested his release from prison, and the Paris Court of Appeal will examine the request on November 10, according to French media.
Sarkozy was sent to prison on October 21, and he is currently held at La Santé prison in Paris. He was sentenced to five years in prison, with an immediate detention order, for criminal association in the Libyan campaign financing case. His lawyers have appealed the ruling, which means he is once again presumed innocent while the appeal is pending.
The court is expected to make its decision the same day. If it agrees to release him, Sarkozy could be freed later that evening or the following morning, Le Figaro reported.
Lawyers say detention is unjustified
Sarkozy’s legal team, including Christophe Ingrain and Jean-Michel Darrois, argue there is no legal reason to keep the former president in custody.
“Once he set foot in detention, the criteria that justify such detention no longer apply,” said Ingrain. He added that there are no pieces of evidence left to destroy, saying, “Except for the will to keep him detained at all costs, there is no reason for him to stay in prison.”
Darrois called the situation a “shame,” expressing hope that “the Court of Appeal will restore French justice to the dignity it deserves.”
Sarkozy’s arrival at La Santé prison was tense, as several inmates threatened him with death, according to video recordings released online from the prison. Those involved have since been charged and transferred to other prisons.
The Court of Appeal’s decision on November 10 will determine whether the former president remains behind bars or regains his freedom while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
