Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy don chop five years jail sentence after French court find am guilty of criminal conspiracy for illegal funding of him 2007 presidential campaign — money wey allegedly come from the Libyan government under Muammar Gaddafi.

 

The Paris Criminal Court deliver the judgment on Thursday morning, say even though Sarkozy no go prison immediately, he go still serve time even if he appeal the case.

• Say Sarkozy and Gaddafi allegedly make secret deal for 2005, back when Sarkozy still be interior minister.

• In exchange for financial support, Sarkozy allegedly promised to support Gaddafi internationally.

• Libyan sources claim say dem send millions of euros to support Sarkozy campaign.

 

But the court acquitted him of other charges, like:

• Passive corruption

• Illegal campaign financing

 

• Claude Guéant and Brice Hortefeux – former ministers under Sarkozy – also found guilty of criminal association.

• Eric Woerth, 2007 campaign treasurer – acquitted of all charges.

• Libyan memo from 2012 by Mediapart, alleging €50 million transfer

• Statements from 7 former Libyan officials

• Sarkozy allies’ frequent trips to Libya

• Shukri Ghanem’s notebook – Libya’s ex-oil minister (found dead in 2012)

• Suspicious financial transfers

“Sarkozy allowed his allies to act on his behalf to approach Libya for money.”

 

But she clarify say the court no fit confirm if Sarkozy himself collect the money directly.

• He deny all allegations, say the case na politically motivated witch-hunt.

• He still dey maintain say the Libyan memo na forgery, and he even sued for defamation in 2012.

• Gaddafi’s regime claim in 2011 say dem help fund Sarkozy’s campaign.

• In 2011, Sarkozy play major role in NATO’s military intervention in Libya — the same action wey lead to Gaddafi’s fall and death.

• Sarkozy na the first former French president wey court go sentence for criminal conspiracy related to foreign government funding.

• This case also shine light on how foreign interference fit affect democratic elections, and how political power and corruption dey entangle.