Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was sent to La Santé prison in Paris on Tuesday, marking a historic first in modern French history. Nearly a month after being sentenced to five years in prison, Sarkozy, 70, began serving time for accepting illegal campaign financing from Libya during his 2007 presidential run.
He arrived at the prison early Tuesday, greeted by chants from inmates welcoming him. Supporters also gathered outside his Paris home, calling for his release as he left with his wife, Carla Bruni.
The court found that Sarkozy allowed two close aides to seek financial support from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, although no funds were ultimately transferred. He was president of France from 2007 to 2012.
Sarkozy’s legal team has requested his immediate release. While an appeals court has up to two months to respond, the hearing may happen sooner.
On social media, Sarkozy repeated his denial of wrongdoing, saying, “It’s not a former president going to prison, it’s an innocent man.”
