The verdict fell for François Fillon. Indeed, Monday June 29, 2020, the former Prime Minister was condemned by the Paris criminal court "to five years in prison, including three suspended sentences with a fine of 375,000 euros and ten years of ineligibility", according to our colleagues from Release. François Fillon was found guilty of "embezzlement of public funds"for services"fictitious or overvalued"For his part, his wife Penelope is given a three-year suspended prison sentence for"complicity and concealment"Despite these convictions, it is possible that the 66-year-old politician avoids the prison box for the moment because the president of the court has"not requested deposit warrant."
The Fillon couple calls and postpones the deadline
In addition, the court's decision should not apply immediately. Shortly after the announcement of the judgment, François Fillon's lawyers, Antonin Lévy and Pierre Cornut-Gentille, have indicated that they will appeal the decision. For them, the condemnation is too much "severe". According to Checknews, in French law, "an appeal is suspensive of the sentence."In other words, as long as the judgment on appeal is not rendered, the sentence cannot be executed. François Fillon and his wife Pénélope are therefore free for the moment until the next verdict. even for the fine of 375,000 euros.
Indeed, if they are found guilty at that time, the Fillon couple could be imprisoned immediately. Checknews for Release explains that a few months ago, the sentences "less than or equal"two years could be adjusted, that is to say that the condemned could"purge"his sentence, at his home under electronic surveillance. But since the law of March 23, 2019 reform for justice, sentences of more than one year can no longer be adjusted.
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