Sarkozy Appeals Libyan Funding Conviction in Paris

Nicolas Sarkozy, former French President, returned to court on Monday to appeal a conviction linked to alleged illegal campaign financing from Libya for his 2007 presidential campaign. The case previously led to a 20-day prison sentence last year, marking the first time a modern French president had been imprisoned. Sarkozy, 71, is challenging a September ruling that found him guilty of “criminal conspiracy” and sentenced him to five years in prison for allegedly securing funds from the late Moammar Gadhafi’s government in exchange for political favors. He denies wrongdoing, suggesting the accusations are politically motivated. The Paris appeals court retrial, which includes nine co-defendants – three former ministers – will reexamine evidence and testimony. It is scheduled to last until June 3. France’s top court previously upheld his conviction for illegal financing of his 2012 reelection bid, requiring six months under house arrest, a sentence yet to be implemented.