France's Highest Court Upholds Sarkozy's Corruption Conviction, Sentences Him to One Year House Arrest with Electronic Bracelet

Dec 18, 2024, 05:11 PM

France's highest court, the Cour de Cassation, has upheld the conviction of former President Nicolas Sarkozy for corruption and influence peddling in the 'Bismuth' case, marking a historic ruling. Sarkozy, who served as president from 2007 to 2012, was sentenced to three years in prison, with one year to be served under house arrest with an electronic bracelet. This decision makes him the first former French head of state to face such a penalty. The conviction stems from the 'Bismuth' case, where Sarkozy and his lawyer Thierry Herzog were found to have offered favors to a high-ranking judge, Gilbert Azibert, in exchange for confidential information about another judicial investigation. Sarkozy has announced plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing the decision is unjust. Despite the appeal, the sentence remains enforceable, and Sarkozy will have to comply with the terms of his house arrest. Additionally, he faces a three-year ineligibility period from holding public office.