Sarkozy's Judicial Drama: From Elysee to Incarceration

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy heads to prison after being found guilty of conspiring to raise campaign funds from Libya. Accompanied by his wife, Carla Bruni, and supporters, he claimed innocence despite his conviction. This marks the first jailing of a former French leader since World War Two.

In a monumental twist for French politics, former president Nicolas Sarkozy, accompanied by his wife Carla Bruni, departed his Paris residence to begin serving a five-year jail sentence. This marks the first time a French leader has been incarcerated since the era following World War Two.

Sarkozy's conviction stems from a court ruling that found him guilty of orchestrating a scheme to illegally gather campaign funds from Libya. Despite maintaining his innocence, the former president's legal battles have culminated in this significant downfall.

In a defiant social media post, Sarkozy insisted on his innocence, echoing sentiments upheld by family and supporters who accompanied him to La Santé jail. This case, involving allegations tied to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has gripped France, highlighting ongoing debates about political integrity and justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)