Europe07 April, 20261 min read
Sarkozy Pleads Innocent At Appeal, Denies Any Libyan Campaign Funds
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Sarkozy rejects Libyan funding for his 2007 campaign. He maintained innocence and challenged the conviction at the appeal.
Sarkozy Challenges Conviction
Sarkozy insisted on his innocence as he began a 12-week appeal trial in Paris. He told the court that not a single cent of Libyan money contributed to his campaign.
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. 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. He said Gadhafi had no hold over me — financially, politically or personally. The appeal trial is expected to run until June with a verdict pending in the fall.