Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has begun serving his five-year prison sentence for corruption, with his final departure from his home drawing a crowd of supporters.
Sarkozy, 70, left his residence in Paris amid cheers, rhythmic chanting of his name, and the playing of the French national anthem. At his side was his wife of 17 years, Carla Bruni, the former model and singer, who gave him a warm embrace and a farewell kiss before he entered the car that would take him to La Santé prison.
@rtenews Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy waved to fans on his way to La Santé prison in Paris where he will be incarcerated over seeking to acquire Libyan funding for his 2007 presidential run. Sarkozy will begin a five-year sentence for conspiring to raise campaign funds from Libya. Sarkozy, who was the conservative president of France between 2007 and 2012, is the first former French leader to be jailed since Nazi collaborator Marshal Philippe Pétain after World War II. 📲#rte #news #sarkozy #france #worldnews ♬ original sound – RTÉ News
Family and Supporters Present
His son Louis Sarkozy and daughter-in-law Natalie were also present, departing the home shortly after. Supporters lined the streets to witness the moment, showing visible support despite the gravity of the situation.
A police detail was stationed at the entrance of La Santé to manage security and oversee the arrival of the high-profile inmate.
REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
La Santé Prison: A Notable History
La Santé has held several notable figures in the past, including Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, also known as Carlos the Jackal, and Jean-Luc Brunel, the model agency owner linked to financier Jeffrey Epstein. Brunel was found dead in his cell in 2022 while serving a sentence for sexual abuse of minors.
REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Sarkozy’s entry into La Santé marks a historic moment in French politics, as he faces the consequences of his corruption conviction, an unprecedented event for a former president of France.
Public and Media Attention
The journey to prison was documented extensively, with photos capturing his departure, the emotional farewell with Bruni, and the security arrangements at the prison. This episode has sparked discussions across France regarding accountability, the justice system, and the legacy of past political leaders.
REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard
(AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
AP Photo/Francois Mori, File
