Nicolas Sarkozy's Legal Battle: Taking on the European Court of Human Rights

The Verdict: Electronic Tag and Bar from Office

In a historic verdict, France's highest court has sentenced former President Nicolas Sarkozy to wear an electronic tag for a year and barred him from public office for three years. This marks the first time a former head of state in France has faced such legal sanctions.

Corruption and Influence Peddling

Sarkozy was found guilty of illegally attempting to secure favors from a judge. He and his former lawyer, Thierry Herzog, were involved in a "corruption pact" with judge Gilbert Azibert, promising him a favorable retirement job in exchange for information about an investigating judge.

"A sad day when a former president must seek justice in European courts to condemn the state he once led," said Sarkozy's lawyer, Patrice Spinosi.

Appealing to Strasbourg

Sarkozy will be taking his case to the European Court of Human Rights within weeks. However, this will not halt the electronic tag sentence, as he has exhausted all legal avenues in France.

"If I had received a fair trial, this condemnation of France could have been avoided," Sarkozy said.

The "Paul Bismuth" Affair

Sarkozy's conviction stems from an investigation into an alleged illegal campaign financing scheme. Wiretaps revealed he had an unofficial phone line under the name "Paul Bismuth" to communicate with Herzog, leading to the discovery of their corrupt dealings.

Post-War Precedence

Sarkozy is the first post-war president in France to receive a prison sentence and the first former head of state to serve any time.

Pending Cases

Sarkozy faces further legal challenges, including cases related to campaign overspending and alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 election campaign.

"Despite his legal problems, Sarkozy remains influential in French politics and has a close relationship with President Emmanuel Macron," noted a source close to the Elysee.