The former president, who served one term from 2007 to 2012, had been expected avoid prison time with his appeal — but the presiding judge in the lower-level court ruled that the seriousness of the charges warranted the 70-year-old’s immediate imprisonment.
Prosecutors paved the way for Sarkozy’s release by backing the request earlier Monday, citing his track record of appearing in court and cooperating with police investigations.
Sarkozy appeared at Monday’s court hearing via video, wearing the same blue blazer and suit vest he had on the day he entered prison. He described his three weeks behind bars as a “nightmare” and a “grueling” experience.
His lawyer Christophe Ingrain, accompanied by Sarkozy’s wife Carla Bruni and two eldest sons Pierre and Jean, described the hardships faced by the former president, woken up at night by “screams” and facing death threats.
Sarkozy said he would not attempt to leave the country or evade his retrial, which his lawyer said is expected to take place in March.
“Fleeing justice would mean admitting [guilt],” he said. “I’ll never admit what I have not done.”
