Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was released Monday from La Santé prison in Paris after nearly three weeks behind bars over alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign.

The Court of Appeals granted his release under conditional freedom and judicial supervision. He remains barred from leaving the country while the case proceeds. 

Sarkozy, 70, had been sentenced to five years in prison for “conspiracy” and “corruption,” in a case unprecedented in French political history.

Prosecutors accuse his team of soliciting funds from Muammar Gaddafi’s Libyan regime. During his imprisonment, Sarkozy was held in isolation for security reasons following death threats. 

Upon his release, Sarkozy stated, “Justice has been done, and I will prove my innocence.” He described the experience as “harsh and exhausting,” adding, “It leaves a mark on every inmate because it’s such a tough ordeal.” 

Present at the hearing were his wife, Carla Bruni, and his son Jean. His lawyers, Jean-Michel Darrois and Christophe Ingrain, argued that his detention caused “suffering and pain,” adding that “it is the imprisonment that poses a threat to Nicolas Sarkozy, not the other way around.” 

Sarkozy’s routine in prison

While in prison, Sarkozy received over a hundred letters daily, creating logistical challenges for prison staff. His lawyers had to collect large sacks of mail each day, all screened for security reasons. 

Sarkozy’s release has reignited heated debate across France. “It’s outrageous!” said lawmaker Sylvain Maillard, while François Ruffin insisted that “Sarkozy should remain in prison as long as possible.” In contrast, conservative leader Xavier Bertrand said, “If he’s released soon, it will make many people happy.” 

As the legal process continues, France remains divided over justice, politics, and security, with Sarkozy’s case symbolizing the country’s ongoing struggle between accountability and political loyalty.