Libya ‘corruption pact’: Sarkozy returns to court as his former right-hand man turns against him
Summary
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy returned to court to answer questions about documents involving Claude Guéant, his former close aide. They are involved in a case about illegal money from Libya for Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign, which Sarkozy denies.Key Facts
- Nicolas Sarkozy appeared in court on April 7, 2026, in Paris.
- His former aide Claude Guéant, now 81, gave written statements but did not attend court due to health reasons.
- Guéant was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison for his role in the Libyan funding affair.
- Sarkozy was convicted of criminal conspiracy charges linked to illegal Libyan campaign funds and sentenced to five years in prison; he faces up to 10 years if convicted on appeal.
- The case involves alleged political payments from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors and help with the legal case of Abdallah Senoussi, a French convicted terrorist connected to Gaddafi’s regime.
- Sarkozy denies that Libyan leader Gaddafi ever asked him to help Senoussi or that he ordered Guéant to investigate the case.
- Guéant claims he only followed orders from Sarkozy and disputes allegations against him.
- The trial is expected to end in late May, with a verdict due in November 2026.
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