Three years of suspended prison sentence were required, in call, against the former president Nicolas Sarkozy within the framework of the lawsuit devoted to the business of “eavesdropping”. The same sentence was requested for his two co-defendants, the former senior magistrate Gilbert Azibert and the historical lawyer of the former Elysée tenant Thierry Herzog.
The general prosecutor’s office on Tuesday requested three years of suspended imprisonment against former President Nicolas Sarkozy, 67, retried on appeal in Paris for corruption and influence peddling in the so-called “wiretapping” case. The same sentence was requested for his two co-defendants, the former senior magistrate Gilbert Azibert and the historical lawyer of the former Elysée tenant Thierry Herzog.
The public prosecutor also requested a five-year ban on civil rights for MM. Sarkozy and Azibert, as well as a ban on exercising the profession of lawyer during the same period for Me Herzog.
Three in prison, one of which is closed at first instance
At first instance, the three men were sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, including one year. “It is the corruption day after day, conversation after conversation, like a bad soap opera, of one of the highest French magistrates (…) by a former President of the Republic and by one of the most renowned lawyers. That is what you have to judge,” said Advocate General Yves Micolet.
The representative of the prosecution spoke of a “case of unprecedented gravity during the Fifth Republic”, which “not only shakes our democracy but undermines its foundations”. Since the opening of the appeal trial on December 5, Nicolas Sarkozy has repeated that he “never” has “corrupted anyone”, declaring that he wants to “defend his honor which has been flouted by incredible means”. The defense must plead from Wednesday morning. The trial is due to end Thursday evening.