Newsroom
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was accused of accepting millions of euros from former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to fund his 2007 election campaign, and a Paris court has now found him guilty of criminal activity in connection with the deal.
Sarkozy, who denies the charges and calls the case political persecution, was cleared of other allegations, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing involving tens of millions of euros.
Prosecutors said Sarkozy, then France’s interior minister, arranged for close associates to secure funds from Gaddafi in 2005 in exchange for supporting Libya on the international stage. The court said this amounted to participation in a criminal organization.
Former minister Brice Ortfeu was also convicted of taking part in the scheme and of complicity in illegal campaign financing. Three other defendants in the case were acquitted.
Sarkozy, who served as president from 2007 to 2012, could face further legal consequences, though an appeal is expected. The ruling adds another chapter to the legal troubles that have followed him since leaving office.
