Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is set to enjoy a level of protection even behind bars, with two police officers to be stationed permanently in nearby cells as he begins his five-year prison sentence. The decision, made by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, aims to ensure the former president's safety amid potential threats.
Sarkozy, who served as head of state from 2007 to 2012, has been convicted of conspiracy related to raising campaign funds from Libya. His imprisonment marks a stunning fall from power for the man once at the helm of France.
The special protection arrangement is in place due to Sarkozy's status as former president and the perceived threat against him. Nuñez explained that this protection is necessary "because of his status" and will be maintained throughout his detention.
The officers, part of a team doing rotating shifts in the prison, will remain with Sarkozy "as long as it is necessary". Despite concerns from some prison guards about the need for police presence inside the facility, Nuñez's decision has been upheld.
Sarkozy will be housed in La Santé's isolation unit, where inmates are kept separate during outdoor activities. This should minimize his interaction with other prisoners, although concerns have been raised by unions representing prison staff.
Staff from the CGT and RTL radio have expressed skepticism about the necessity of police presence, suggesting that the prison guards themselves can ensure inmate safety. Nicolas Peyrin of the CGT union called the decision "a waste" and Wilfried Fonck described it as a "blunder".
Meanwhile, Sarkozy's lawyers are pushing for an early release from prison, pending his appeal trial. They have submitted a request for review in about a month and hope to secure an early release by Christmas.
Despite consistently denying wrongdoing, Sarkozy has maintained that the case against him is politically motivated. As he begins his sentence, it remains to be seen how this latest development will impact his situation.
Sarkozy, who served as head of state from 2007 to 2012, has been convicted of conspiracy related to raising campaign funds from Libya. His imprisonment marks a stunning fall from power for the man once at the helm of France.
The special protection arrangement is in place due to Sarkozy's status as former president and the perceived threat against him. Nuñez explained that this protection is necessary "because of his status" and will be maintained throughout his detention.
The officers, part of a team doing rotating shifts in the prison, will remain with Sarkozy "as long as it is necessary". Despite concerns from some prison guards about the need for police presence inside the facility, Nuñez's decision has been upheld.
Sarkozy will be housed in La Santé's isolation unit, where inmates are kept separate during outdoor activities. This should minimize his interaction with other prisoners, although concerns have been raised by unions representing prison staff.
Staff from the CGT and RTL radio have expressed skepticism about the necessity of police presence, suggesting that the prison guards themselves can ensure inmate safety. Nicolas Peyrin of the CGT union called the decision "a waste" and Wilfried Fonck described it as a "blunder".
Meanwhile, Sarkozy's lawyers are pushing for an early release from prison, pending his appeal trial. They have submitted a request for review in about a month and hope to secure an early release by Christmas.
Despite consistently denying wrongdoing, Sarkozy has maintained that the case against him is politically motivated. As he begins his sentence, it remains to be seen how this latest development will impact his situation.
Still can't believe politicians think they're above the law just because they wore a fancy hat and said some nice words for a while. Five years for raising some money from Libya? 
Meanwhile, Sarkozy's getting more protection than most of us who are actually behind bars 
. Two cops in his cell is just crazy talk! 
What's next, a prison guard escorting him to the loo 
?
. I mean, two cops stationed in nearby cells just for him? It's like they're trying to keep some kind of 'special' dude safe from the general population 
. And what about all the other inmates who are actually doing their time? Don't they deserve some peace and quiet too? 
I'm not saying Sarkozy's gonna get hurt or anything, but come on... it's just a bit suspicious, you know? 
Maybe there's more to this 'threat' business than we're being told 
. Anyway, I heard his lawyers are trying to get an early release by Christmas... sounds like they're trying to spin the whole thing, if you ask me 
.
, I'm so sick of these rich and powerful guys getting all sorts of special treatment just because they're famous 
. And what's the point of even having prison guards if they can't keep an eye on each other? It's just another example of how the system is rigged for those who have the money and influence 
.
. Newsflash, dude: the law is the law, no matter what your politics are! He's not exactly in a position to be questioning the system when he's the one who got caught up in it in the first place 
. Can't we just have some sort of prison reform or something? Instead, we're stuck with these ridiculous protection arrangements that just make everyone look bad 
.
It's not like Sarkozy is going to be some kind of celebrity prisoner and expect special treatment 
.
. Just hope the police presence doesn't create any more tension or problems within the prison system 
. And can we talk about how convenient it is that Sarkozy gets his own special unit with minimal interaction with other prisoners? Sounds like he's getting some sweet treatment 
.
Can't help but wonder if this is really about keeping Sarkozy safe or just about showin' the world who's in charge. 
5 yrs in & you still throw cops at him? 
but they don't realize that Sarkozy's got a whole lot of connections and money behind him. He's still gonna get what he wants because of who he is 
I mean what's up with that? Two cops stationed near him in prison 
. His lawyers are trying to get out early, like, before he even gets his socks 
. But still, 5 whole years in the slammer and this is what they're worried about? Maybe the system should focus on keeping the inmates safe instead of giving a free pass to the rich and famous 
they're basically giving him a 5-year hotel suite at taxpayer's expense... meanwhile the average joe gets locked up for something like shoplifting and can't even get a decent meal in there lol, Sarkozy thinks he's above the law just because he was prez... I mean come on, if the guy wants to get some R&R while serving his time, why not just spring him early? 
The idea of having 2 police officers stationed in nearby cells to protect a former president from potential threats is just wild