France: Sarkozy Sentenced to Five Years in Jail Over Gaddafi Campaign Funds

Sarkozy, 70, was acquitted of corruption and direct illegal financing charges but still faces prison time despite filing an appeal. The verdict was tougher than anticipated, marking a rare instance of a former French head of state handed a custodial sentence.

The case stems from long-running allegations that Gaddafi secretly bankrolled Sarkozy’s 2007 campaign in exchange for political favors. Sarkozy has denied wrongdoing throughout.

This is a developing story.