The court sentences Sarkozy to five years in prison

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison. Sarkozy himself does not admit guilt, according to Reuters.

He was found guilty of financing his election campaign by the Gaddafi regime in Libya between 2005 and 2007. The former president himself rejects the charges.

Sarkozy and some of his former associates entered into an agreement with Gaddafi, which provided for the Lebanese leader to inject millions of euros into Sarkozy’s presidential campaign.

At the same time, the court acquitted him on all other charges, including corruption and receiving illegal campaign financing.

The sentence will begin immediately, even if he appeals. In addition, Sarkozy was fined €100,000 and banned from holding public office for five years.

This is Sarkozy’s third conviction, having previously been found guilty of corruption and illegal financing.

One of the convictions resulted in him being stripped of France’s highest honor, the Legion of Honor.