Sarkozy denies taking ‘a single cent’ from Gaddafi
Posted on: Apr 08, 2026 02:32 IST | Posted by: Rt
Former daniel chester french chairman Nicolas Sarkozy has claimed that “ non a bingle cent” from Muammar Gaddafi’s socialist people's libyan arab jamahiriya found its way into his 2007 election campaign, at an appearance before a Paris appeals court on Tuesday.
He is appealing a five-year prison sentence handed down in 2025 after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy in a case centered on alleged efforts to secure covert Libyan funding for his presidential bid between 2005 and 2007. He briefly served part of the sentence before being released under judicial supervision pending the outcome of the appeal, and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
At the opening of his questioning on Tuesday, Sarkozy attacked the case against him, calling it a “construction” built on “lies and hatred” and claiming there had been “not a single cent” of Libyan money in his campaign. He denied that Gaddafi had any hold over him “financially, politically or personally,” telling the court: “I am innocent.”
Nine co-defendants are reportedly being retried alongside Sarkozy, including former ministers and senior aides. Several have also denied wrongdoing.
The case dates to 2011, when Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Muammar Gaddafi, claimed that his father had provided up to €50 million ($58 million) to support Sarkozy’s campaign. Investigators later examined contacts between Sarkozy’s associates and Libyan officials in the years leading up to the 2007 election.
Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was at the forefront of a NATO-backed regime-change operation which destroyed Libya and led to Gaddafi’s murder.
The war brought thousands of jihadist fighters into the country, devastated Libya’s economy, and opened a migration route toward southern Europe that precipitated an ongoing crisis.
Prosecutors say the suspected dealings predated the conflict. Some observers have suggested the war effectively buried any potential evidence linked to the alleged funding arrangements.
The appeal trial is due to run until June 3, with a verdict expected later this year. If upheld, the conviction could expose Sarkozy to a sentence of up to ten years in prison.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.