Nicolas Sarkozy to wear electronic tag after losing corruption conviction appeal

(Patria) - Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has lost his appeal against a prison sentence for corruption. However, the Paris Court of Appeal ruled that he can serve his sentence at home with an electronic tag instead of going to prison, the BBC reported. Sarkozy was sentenced to three years in prison in 2021, including two suspended, for attempting to influence a judge in a separate case. The 68-year-old was the first former French president to receive a prison sentence.

Following Wednesday's verdict, Sarkozy's lawyer said they would initiate new proceedings before the Court of Cassation, one of France's highest courts. "Nicolas Sarkozy is innocent," said lawyer Jacqueline Laffont.

"We will see this through to the end," she said.

The former president was convicted of attempting to obtain information from a judge in 2014, after leaving office. The case centered on phone calls between Sarkozy and his lawyer that were recorded by the police. Prosecutors convinced the court that Sarkozy offered the judge a prestigious job in Monaco in exchange for information about his 2007 campaign investigations. The judge and the lawyer were also sentenced to three years in prison, two of which were suspended.

This is one of several corruption cases involving Sarkozy, who denies any wrongdoing. Earlier this month, prosecutors requested that he be tried for allegations that the Libyan government illegally contributed to his 2007 presidential candidacy. In France, investigating judges have the final say on whether a case goes to trial. Sarkozy's legal troubles have led to the end of his political career, but he has retained influence on the right. His Republican party is in poor shape, but for many, he remains a historical reference point. Those who see him as a victim of a judicial establishment biased towards the left.