Nicolas Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, arrived at La Santé prison in Paris to start his sentence. He was found guilty of conspiring to fund his election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
Sarkozy will be held in the isolation wing for safety reasons, in a cell that includes a toilet, shower, desk and a small TV—and the promise of one hour’s daily exercise.
Supporters, including his sons, gathered outside the prison to show solidarity. In a high-profile case, Sarkozy maintains his innocence and has appealed the sentence.
President Emmanuel Macron met him last week at the Élysée Palace and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has confirmed he will visit to ensure the ex-president’s safety and proper treatment in jail.
