Sarkozy Released from Prison on Appeal

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was released from prison on Monday after serving just over three weeks of a five-year sentence for his role in a criminal conspiracy to secure funding for his 2007 presidential campaign from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The Paris Court of Appeal ruled that continued detention was not justified while Sarkozy appeals his September conviction. He had been held at the La Santé prison since October 21, marking the first time a former French head of state had been incarcerated since World War II. The court placed him under judicial supervision, barring him from leaving French territory, contacting witnesses or other defendants in the case, and communicating with Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. Prosecutors recommended the release, stating Sarkozy posed no flight risk, though he may be required to wear an electronic monitoring device, post bail, or report regularly to authorities.

During a videoconference hearing from prison, Sarkozy, 70, described his confinement as grueling. "It's hard, very hard. I would even say it's exhausting," he said. "I never imagined I would have to wait until I was 70 to experience prison." He has...