Sarkozy slams conviction in Libya graft trial, says will appeal verdict
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy says he is innocent after being convicted in a case over Libyan funding for his 2007 campaign.
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy slammed his conviction for criminal conspiracy on Thursday, calling it "extremely serious for the rule of law" after a court sentenced him to five years in prison.
A judge found Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy but acquitted him on other corruption charges in a trial over efforts to procure funds for his 2007 presidential bid from Libya during the rule of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi.
Flanked by his wife, model and singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Sarkozy told reporters that he would appeal the decision, after the court ordered him into custody at a later date, even in the case of appeal.
"If they absolutely want me to sleep in jail, I will sleep in jail, but with my head held high," Sarkozy told reporters after the ruling.
The ruling means Sarkozy will need to report to prison even during his appeal.