Sarkozy Behind Bars

The former president, Nicolas Sarkozy, entered prison on the morning of Tuesday, October 21, 2025, where he will spend his first night at La Santé prison, making him the first president in the history of France to be incarcerated behind bars. Sarkozy was accompanied by his wife, Carla Bruni, and other family members, and his supporters were also present amidst tight security measures. However, he was granted an exception to enter the prison courtyard in his car. Before entering, he stated, « You are imprisoning an innocent man, » describing his five-year prison sentence as a « judicial scandal. » Sarkozy also expressed his deep sorrow for France and the level of hatred it has reached, in his words.

It is worth mentioning that the case for which Sarkozy was tried is the suspected foreign financing of his 2007 election campaign by the former Libyan regime of Muammar Gaddafi. The defense team announced that they have submitted a request for his immediate release, which will be considered within three weeks. The French channel « TF1 » also reported that the current president, Emmanuel Macron, had received Sarkozy at the Élysée Palace a few days before his committal to prison.

Thus, behind the bars and walls of La Santé prison, Nicolas Sarkozy will serve his sentence in a jail designated for important figures and dangerous criminals. He will receive a cell measuring 9 square meters, equipped with a private bathroom and shower, a television, and a refrigerator. Some former inmates have described life inside this prison as staying in a mid-range hotel. He will be granted the right to three weekly visits, pre-approved phone calls, and two daily walks away from the other prisoners. Sarkozy’s cell is expected to be next to that of a former official from an African country, who is accused of murder.