Nicolas Sarkozy
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy found himself in the dock. BFM TV writes about it.
The 65-year-old politician is accused of corruption and influence trading. Together with the former President of France, his lawyer Thierry Erzogh and a former high-ranking official of the Court of Cassation Gilbert Azibert are involved in the case. The hearings are due to last until December 10.
The investigation believes that through his lawyer, the former French leader could have promised Aziber a position in Monaco. In exchange, he was supposed to provide confidential information about another investigation: it concerned allegations of illegal financing of Sarkozy's 2007 presidential campaign by the heiress of the French company L'Oreal, Liliane Bettencourt.
Sarkozy denies his guilt: he points out that Aziber did not receive any post in Monaco. The colleagues of Erzog's lawyer present at the hearing believe that the charges brought against him are “a heavy attack on the entire profession.” The accused could face a fine of up to one million euros and ten years in prison.
On October 16, Sarkozy was charged with creating a “criminal community” in connection with Libya's alleged financing of his 2007 presidential campaign. In 2018, he was already charged with passive corruption, illegal campaign finance, and concealment of Libyan public funds.
According to the investigation, in 2007, Sarkozy received 150 thousand euros in cash from her during a meeting with Bettencourt. He allegedly used this money to finance his election campaign. According to French law, candidates are prohibited from accepting donations of more than 4.6 thousand euros.
Nicolas Sarkozy was President of France from 2007 to 2012.
