Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been instructed to wear an electronic tag, following a corruption ruling. This occurrence marks a significant moment as Sarkozy becomes the first French ex-head of state ordered to wear an ankle monitor, as a preventive measure against fleeing justice.
Earlier this year, in March, Sarkozy had been found guilty of corruption and influence peddling and was given a three-year prison sentence, which included two years suspended. However, he was allowed to appeal this ruling and opted for the electronic monitoring system instead of detention. Sarkozy’s lawyer, Jacqueline Laffont, has not publicly commented on this latest development.
The conviction relates to events from 2014, when Sarkozy was accused of having tried to obtain classified information from a judge about a separate investigation concerning his campaign finances. The prosecution proved Sarkozy had promised the magistrate a prestigious job in Monaco in exchange for details about the inquiry.
Although this recent development is noteworthy in France’s political history, it is not Sarkozy’s only brush with the law. He has faced multiple allegations and legal scrutiny since leaving office in 2012. Despite these setbacks, Sarkozy maintains persistent support from many right-wing voters in France. His political career, however, is effectively ended by these legal disputes.
Last modified: December 18, 2024
