Prosecutors seek 7-year sentence for Sarkozy in Libya trial

Additional recommendations: Fine and ban on holding office

Along with the prison sentence, prosecutors have recommended a fine of €300,000 ($330,000) and a five-year ban on holding public office. Sarkozy reacted by calling the prosecution's request "an outrage" on social media, asserting that the charges are false and violent. He vowed to continue fighting for the truth and maintain faith in the judicial process.

Sarkozy's defence: Denial of allegations

Throughout the trial, Sarkozy has maintained that he never received any money from Gadhafi, stating, "You will never ever find a single euro, a single Libyan cent, in my campaign."

Prosecutor's accusation: "Frantic Quest for Funding"

Prosecutor Sebastien de la Touanne accused Sarkozy of being driven by a "frantic quest for funding" to satisfy his political ambitions. He argued that only a prison sentence and a fine could protect society, adding that Sarkozy did not fully appreciate the severity of the charges.

Twelve defendants stand trial

Twelve individuals, including Sarkozy’s former aides, are also standing trial. They are accused of working with Gadhafi to fund Sarkozy's 2007 presidential election campaign. Among the accused are Sarkozy's former right-hand man, Claude Gueant, and former campaign financier Eric Woerth. All defendants deny the charges.

Alleged pact with Gadhafi for campaign financing

The prosecution's case relies on statements from former Libyan officials, financial transfers, and the notebooks of former Libyan oil minister Shukri Ghanem. The alleged pact involved Sarkozy and other senior figures helping Gadhafi rehabilitate his international image in exchange for campaign financing.

Tainted witness testimonies and changing statements

Key witness Ziad Takieddine, a Franco-Lebanese businessman, initially claimed to have delivered €5 million from Gadhafi in 2006 and 2007. However, Takieddine retracted his statement in 2020, raising suspicions that Sarkozy and his allies may have influenced the change in testimony.

Sarkozy’s legal troubles and political influence

Sarkozy, who has faced ongoing legal challenges since losing the 2012 presidential election, remains an influential figure in French politics. Despite his legal troubles, he continues to meet regularly with President Emmanuel Macron. The trial is expected to conclude on April 10.