Image: The Killeen Daily Herald

Sarkozy Pleads Innocent At Appeal, Denies Any Libyan Campaign Funds

07 April, 2026.Europe.6 sources

Key Takeaways

Sarkozy rejects Libyan funding for his 2007 campaign.
He maintained innocence and challenged the conviction at the appeal.
He was previously convicted in 2025 and sentenced to five years.

Sarkozy Challenges Conviction

Sarkozy insisted on his innocence as he began a 12-week appeal trial in Paris.

“France's Sarkozy says no Libyan money went into winning 2007 campaign France's ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday told an appeal trial there was "not a single cent of Libyan money" in the campaign that saw him elected in 2007”

Al-Monitor

He told the court that not a single cent of Libyan money contributed to his campaign.

Al-Monitor

Sarkozy has already spent 20 days in prison before being released pending appeal.

The appeal will reexamine all evidence related to him and nine co-defendants.

Campagne Funding vs. Image Restoration

The lower court found Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy but did not rule he received funds.

Prosecutors argued Sarkozy's aides struck a deal to restore Gaddafi's international image.

AP News

Families of the plane bombing victims spoke of their ordeal at the appeal trial.

Sarkozy Frames Intervention as Independent

Sarkozy said he championed Western military intervention in Libya in 2011.

“✕ Home News Analysis Agro-Forestry Art & Culture Technology Economy & Business Education Energy & Extractives Politics Law & Governance Health Science & Environment Social & Gender Sports Transport Urban Development WASH Research LogIn/SignUp Close the sidebar Sarkozy Stands Firm in Appeal over Libya Funding Scandal Nicolas Sarkozy, former French president, continues to protest his innocence in his appeal against a conspiracy conviction linked to alleged Libyan funding for his 2007 campaign”