Sarkozy faces seven-year sentence in Libya case

French prosecutors have requested a seven-year prison sentence for former French president Nicolas Sarkozy during appeal proceedings linked to allegations that the government of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi illegally financed his 2007 presidential campaign, according to France 24.

Prosecutors allege that Sarkozy reached a secret agreement with the Gaddafi regime ahead of the French presidential election, under which Libya would provide illicit financial support for his campaign in exchange for assistance in restoring Libya’s international standing and reintegrating it into the global community.

The allegations relate to the period following accusations against Tripoli over the 1988 Lockerbie bombing and the 1989 bombing of a French airliner over Niger.

Sarkozy, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, has denied all charges against him and maintains that the case is politically motivated, France 24 reported.

Prosecutors have also called for Sarkozy to be convicted on all charges, including corruption and illegal campaign financing. A lower court had previously acquitted him in September of corruption and personal acceptance of illicit funds, while convicting him on charges related to criminal conspiracy.

Sarkozy previously became the first modern French president to serve time in prison after spending around 20 days behind bars before being released pending the outcome of the appeal process.

A final ruling in the case is expected on 30 November. If convicted, Sarkozy could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years. He would also retain the option of appealing to France’s highest court, the Court of Cassation, as a final legal avenue, according to the French broadcaster.