At the end of three months of deliberations, the 32nd Criminal Chamber of Paris, on Monday, March 1st, sentenced Nicolas Sarkozy to three years in prison, with one year to be served, for active corruption and influence peddling in the so-called “Paul Bismuth” case. This is the first time in French judicial history that a former President of the Republic has been convicted.
Nicolas Sarkozy was accused of attempting to obtain, in 2014, through his lawyer Thierry Herzog, secret information from Gilbert Azibert, then a senior magistrate, regarding a procedure about the seizure of his agendas in the context of the Bettencourt case. The information was to be provided by the magistrate in exchange for help obtaining a prestigious post in Monaco.
Following the announcement of the verdict, the right-wing politicians from the Côte d’Azur (Estrosi, Brenier, Ciotti, Muselier) were quick to react, expressing their support for their former “champion,” who will appeal.
I reaffirm my friendship and support for @NicolasSarkozy. The decision against him appears extravagant. It is never good for politicians to interfere with justice, nor for magistrates to engage in politics. I have no doubt this decision will be overturned on appeal.
— Christian Estrosi (@cestrosi) March 1, 2021
At the moment when @NicolasSarkozy is convicted, I want to assure all my support and loyalty to the former President of the Republic.
We are witnessing this afternoon a judicial outcome that was sadly predictable after years of persecution. #Sarkozy pic.twitter.com/LZcZmVttDz
— Marine Brenier (@marinebrenier) March 1, 2021
I extend to President @NicolasSarkozy my support, friendship, trust, and deep respect.
Despite this first-instance judgment, and after seven years of legal proceedings, the work of justice is not finished. #Sarkozy pic.twitter.com/wjdcnMagME— Renaud Muselier (@RenaudMuselier) March 1, 2021
More than ever, friendship and loyalty to President @NicolasSarkozy
Unwavering support in this ordeal, which is just a step in a judicial journey that is far from over.
— Eric Ciotti (@ECiotti) March 1, 2021
