Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from prison pending the outcome of his appeal, following a ruling by a Paris court that determined he did not pose a flight risk or threat to judicial proceedings.

The decision comes less than a month after Sarkozy began serving a five-year jail term for criminal conspiracy linked to illegal campaign financing.

Sarkozy, who governed France from 2007 to 2012, was convicted in October 2025 for allegedly receiving illicit funds from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to support his 2007 presidential campaign.

The verdict marked a dramatic fall from grace for the 70-year-old ex-president, making him the first former French leader in modern history to serve jail time before completing an appeal.

The appeals court, in its decision, stated that while the charges against Sarkozy were serious, his continued detention was not necessary during the appeal process.

The court emphasized that he had demonstrated compliance with prior judicial orders and was unlikely to interfere with the investigation or flee the country.

Under the new ruling, Sarkozy will remain under judicial supervision. He is barred from leaving French territory and prohibited from contacting several witnesses and officials connected to the case.

His legal team welcomed the court’s decision, saying it reflected confidence in Sarkozy’s integrity and respect for due process.

Appearing via video link during the hearing, Sarkozy described his brief time in prison as “a nightmare,” expressing gratitude for the court’s ruling while reaffirming his innocence.

He maintains that the allegations are politically motivated and insists that no Libyan money was used to fund his campaign.

Sarkozy’s appeal hearing is scheduled for March 2026, where his legal team is expected to challenge the conviction on grounds of insufficient evidence and procedural irregularities.

The case has drawn global attention, not only because of Sarkozy’s political stature but also for its broader implications on political accountability in France.

Legal experts say the court’s decision to grant conditional release underscores the balance between enforcing justice and protecting the right to appeal.

Sarkozy, who once wielded considerable influence both in France and internationally, now faces one of the most significant legal battles of his career. For now, he remains free—but his future hinges on the outcome of the appeal that will determine whether his conviction and sentence stand.