The National Financial Prosecutor’s Office was unyielding: Former President Nicolas Sarkozy was identified by prosecutors as central to a criminal conspiracy. He was characterized as “the true decision-maker and supporter” of a “shocking, unprecedented, and disgraceful” corruption scheme, orchestrated by his close associates in collaboration with Muammar Gaddafi, to secure Libyan funds for his 2007 presidential campaign. “We recognize the dizzying effect such a situation can have on a rational mind,” stated the prosecutor.
“A state minister who engages in a corruption agreement with a ruthless dictator” and negotiates with Abdullah al-Senoussi, the architect of Libyan terrorist attacks in Europe, thus “disrespecting the memory of the 170 victims” of the 1989 bombing of a UTA DC-10 flight, as well as the legacy of the Libyan people. Initially, Deputy Prosecutor Philippe Jaeglé presented a two-hour opening statement, addressing Sarkozy’s direct criticisms and referencing two prior arms contracts involving the same individuals.
Jaeglé condemned the “outrageous justifications” provided by three former ministers (Claude Guéant, Brice Hortefeux, Eric Woerth) and the ex-president, in a case “filled with falsehoods, interference, and manipulation,” which ultimately led the prosecutor’s office to conclude that Sarkozy was guilty. This was followed by a robust presentation lasting three and a half hours by Deputy Prosecutor Quentin Dandoy.
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