Nicolas Sarkozy Says He Is Not Afraid of Prison Ahead of Five-Year Sentence

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said he is unafraid of imprisonment as he prepares to begin a five-year jail term.

Sarkozy, who is set to be incarcerated at Paris’s Sante prison on Tuesday, told La Tribune Dimanche that he has packed his bags and feels calm ahead of his sentence. He was convicted of attempting to secure campaign funding from Libya in 2007.

“I am not afraid of prison. I will hold my head high, even in front of the gates of Sante,” he stated, adding that he will not seek any special treatment.

For security reasons, Sarkozy will be held in solitary confinement on the top floor of the isolation wing and accompanied by a guard at all times. He will also be permitted to visit one of the prison’s gyms or exercise yards twice a day.

His wife, Carla Bruni, is expected to visit him daily throughout his sentence. Sarkozy said he does not wish to complain or receive pity and plans to use his time in jail to write a book.

The former president, who governed France from 2007 to 2012, was found guilty of criminal conspiracy after aides sought funds for his 2007 campaign from Libya during Muammar Gaddafi’s rule.

Sarkozy has denied all allegations and appealed the conviction. This marks the first time a former French head of state has been found guilty of attempting to use foreign money in such a case.

His conviction followed a three-month trial involving 11 co-defendants, including three former ministers.