Sarkozy Appeal on Conspiracy Conviction to Begin in March 2025

Former French President Sarkozy will begin his appeal on March 16, with hearings scheduled through June 3, following his conviction for criminal conspiracy linked to alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign. The timetable was confirmed by the Paris court after it agreed to hear the case next year.

Sarkozy was found guilty in September of participating in a scheme to obtain funds from former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. He received a five-year prison sentence, including time to be served in detention, a ruling that triggered political and legal debate in France. Sarkozy has denied wrongdoing, saying he never accepted foreign money for his campaign.

Earlier this week, the court ordered Sarkozy’s release from jail while his appeal proceeds. The decision allowed him to return home after spending several days in custody. He later wrote online, “Truth will prevail,” signalling his intention to challenge the conviction.

• Sarkozy’s Appeal on Libyan Financing Conviction Set to Begin March 2025
• Former French President Freed Pending Appeal as Court Revisits Conspiracy Case
• High-Stakes Sarkozy Appeal Could Reshape Future of France’s Political Right

The appeal is expected to revisit the key elements of the prosecution’s case, including testimony from intermediaries and financial records that investigators say indicate covert Libyan financing. Sarkozy’s legal team argues the evidence is unreliable and insists the prosecution failed to prove direct involvement.

The case remains one of France’s most closely watched judicial matters. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, still influences conservative politics, and the appeal outcome may shape the future of the political right. An overturned conviction would strengthen his position; an upheld sentence would likely end speculation about any political return.

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The hearings will span nearly three months, drawing significant attention from legal analysts, political observers, and Sarkozy’s supporters and critics.