A court in the French capital, Paris, ruled on Thursday to imprison former President Nicolas Sarkozy for one year, effective immediately, related to campaign expenses. The Paris court convicted Sarkozy of financing an illegal campaign during his unsuccessful bid for re-election in 2012. Sarkozy was not present in the Paris court when the verdict was announced.
Sarkozy is accused of spending nearly double the legal limit of 22.5 million euros (27.5 million dollars) in the re-election attempt that he lost to Socialist François Hollande. The court stated that Sarkozy "knew" that the legal limit was at stake and deliberately failed to oversee additional expenses. Prosecutors requested a six-month prison sentence, alongside another six months suspended, and a fine of 3,750 euros (4,354 dollars).
Prosecutors argued that Sarkozy is "the only person responsible for financing his campaign" and that he chose to exceed the limit by organizing numerous events, including large gatherings. Sarkozy, who served as President of France from 2007 to 2012, strongly denied any wrongdoing during the trial in May and June. The former French president will have the opportunity to appeal the decision.
This ruling follows Sarkozy's conviction on March 1 for corruption and influence peddling in another case. He was sentenced to one year and two years suspended in that case but remains free pending appeal.
