Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy says he is not afraid of prison as he prepares to serve a five-year sentence imposed on him for illegally financing his election campaign from Muammar Gaddafi's Libya.
The once powerful man of French politics is expected to be taken to La Santé prison in the 14th arrondissement of Paris tomorrow, Tuesday. Speaking to the French newspaper La Tribune Dimanche, he stressed that he is mentally preparing for this new reality, having already prepared his few personal belongings. “I am not afraid of prison. I will hold my head high even in front of the entrance to Santé prison,” he said, adding that he will not ask for special treatment or privileges.
The former French president will only be allowed to have a bag with three books and up to ten family photos with him, according to the prison's regulations.
In isolation for safety reasons
As reported by Le Figaro, Sarkozy will be transferred to a wing reserved for high-risk prisoners or public figures, which — although often incorrectly called the “VIP wing” — is used to ensure the protection of its residents. He will most likely be placed in solitary confinement, as his presence could cause tensions.
He refused to request a single cell, despite the prison administration's recommendation, noting that "it is up to those responsible to take responsibility." Isolation, however, is considered the safest way to protect him, since drug traffickers and terrorism suspects are held in the adjacent wings.
His cell — about 11 square meters — is located on the top floor of the isolation wing and has a single bed fixed to the floor, a small electric stove, a desk, a shower and a toilet. A television or refrigerator can be installed as an option. Sarkozy will be able to buy toiletries or food from the prison store's catalog, so as to avoid the canteen meals, which are considered of poor quality.
Visits and communication
His wife, Carla Bruni, will be with him daily, as she will be able to visit him while he serves his sentence. Sarkozy, not having access to his mobile phone or the internet, will communicate with his loved ones via a landline phone, on which about ten numbers will be registered. All his conversations, however, will be monitored by security personnel.
The former president will be allowed three visits a week from family and friends, in addition to regular appointments with his lawyers. In addition, his family will have special access to the prison's infirmary through a separate entrance, so as to avoid contact with relatives of other prisoners.
Every day, under the supervision of three guards, Sarkozy will be allowed to go out for an hour in the fenced-in 30-square-meter courtyard. Depending on his schedule, he will be able to visit the prison's library or gym.
The former president intends to use his time in prison to write a new book, as he has done in the past. At the same time, he will read three works that he has chosen to take with him: "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas (volumes I and II) and "The Biography of Jesus" by Jean-Christian Petitfils. The choice is not accidental — he has stated that these works help him draw strength and endurance during difficult periods in his life.
The length of the sentence and the possibility of release
According to Le Parisien, Sarkozy could remain in prison for a period ranging from a few weeks to several months, as his lawyers are set to file an immediate request for conditional release. This request will be examined by the court within up to two months.
At the same time, the appeals of two other people who have been convicted in the same case of illegal financing — and are already in prison — have been set to be heard on October 27 and November 3, shortly after Sarkozy begins serving his sentence.
Le Parisien notes that the court may reject the former president's request citing three reasons: a possible risk of "collusion" with other defendants, the possibility of "flight" or possible "influence on witnesses." In such a case, Sarkozy would remain in custody until his appeal is heard, which is estimated to take place in 2026.
Source: protothema.gr
