"Embroiled in legal problems since losing the 2012 election, Sarkozy, 70, had already been convicted in two separate cases but managed to avoid going to jail. But after a judge sentenced him on Thursday to five years for criminal conspiracy over a scheme to find funding from Libya's then-leader Moamer Kadhadi for his 2007 campaign, Sarkozy appeared to acknowledge he will spend time behind bars."
"The drama and defiance were typical of Sarkozy, who is still seen by some supporters on the right as a dynamic saviour of his country but by detractors as a vulgar populist mired in corruption. Born on January 28, 1955, the football fanatic and cycling enthusiast is an atypical French politician. The son of a Hungarian immigrant father, Sarkozy has a law degree but unlike most of his peers did not attend the exclusive Ecole Nationale d'Administration, a well-worn production line for future French leaders."
Nicolas Sarkozy, elected president in 2007, lost office after one term and has faced legal troubles since losing the 2012 election. He had earlier been convicted in two cases without serving jail time. A judge sentenced him to five years for criminal conspiracy linked to an alleged scheme to obtain funding from Libya's then-leader Moamer Kadhadi for his 2007 campaign. Prosecutors have one month to notify him when he must report to prison, a measure that stands despite his promised appeal. Sarkozy publicly declared his innocence, vowed to comply with summonses, and said he would go to prison with his head held high.
Read at The Local France
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