Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been placed under permanent police protection inside La Sante prison in Paris, where he began serving a five-year sentence following his campaign finance conviction.
The unusual security arrangement was confirmed by Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, who explained that two police officers from the presidential protection unit will remain stationed in adjacent cells for the duration of Sarkozy’s imprisonment. According to Nunez, “The former president of the republic is entitled to protection because of his status. There is obviously a threat against him, and this protection is being maintained while he is in detention.”
Sarkozy, who governed France between 2007 and 2012, was found guilty of illegally accepting campaign funds allegedly linked to Libya during his 2007 presidential bid—a conviction that has shaken France’s political establishment. The former leader is currently held in isolation, occupying a single cell and separated from the general prison population during outdoor and recreational periods.
However, the decision to deploy police officers within the prison has triggered criticism from prison guard unions, who insist that their personnel are fully capable of ensuring the safety of all inmates, including high-profile figures. Union representatives have described the move as unnecessary and as an implicit vote of no confidence in the professional competence of the prison staff.
Sarkozy’s legal team has already filed an appeal and requested early release, aiming for his freedom before Christmas. They continue to maintain his innocence, arguing that the charges are politically motivated and that the proceedings have been unfairly influenced by his critics.
The case continues to draw intense national and international attention, both for its unprecedented nature and for the debate it has reignited over privilege, justice, and political accountability in France.
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