Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, serving a five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy in a scheme involving Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, is facing threats from inmates at Paris’ La Sante prison. The inmates, shown in a circulated video, have reportedly vowed to avenge Gaddafi and demand the return of billions of euros allegedly siphoned for Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign. The threats have prompted heightened security measures, with French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirming that two police officers will be permanently stationed near Sarkozy’s cell to ensure his safety.
Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, has denied the charges, calling them politically motivated and has requested early release pending appeal. The probe, initiated in 2013 after claims by Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam, led to an international intervention in 2011 that resulted in Gaddafi’s death and the destabilization of Libya. Sarkozy’s legal team is currently preparing for an appeal, as he faces potential further consequences for his role in the events that led to the Libyan leader’s demise.