French prosecutors seek 7-year sentence for ex-president Sarkozy

On Wednesday, French prosecutors sought a seven-year prison term for former president Nicolas Sarkozy during an appeal trial regarding allegations of his pursuit of Libyan funds for his 2007 election campaign. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, has consistently denied any misconduct. Last year, he became the first former president in modern France to serve time in prison related to this case, although he was released after 20 days while awaiting his appeal. In the initial trial, prosecutors also requested a seven-year sentence for charges including corruption and illegal campaign financing, but a lower court imposed a five-year sentence solely for seeking the funds, acquitting him of the other charges. In the current proceedings, prosecutors labeled Sarkozy as an “instigator” of the alleged agreement to secure funding in exchange for aiding Muammar Gaddafi’s image following accusations against Tripoli for two plane bombings. Sarkozy maintained in court that his 2007 campaign did not involve any Libyan money.