The Trial of Former President Nicolas Sarkozy Begins in Paris

The trial concerning the "wiretapping case" has commenced at a Paris court, with the most prominent of the three defendants being former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. He faces charges of "corruption" and "trading in influence," which could result in up to 10 years in prison. The former head of state, as well as the other two defendants, denies any wrongdoing. This is the first trial in modern French history where a former president appears personally in court, as reported by RFI.

The charges brought against the three individuals involved in the "wiretapping case" were filed in July 2014, and only now has the case reached the court.

Apart from 65-year-old Nicolas Sarkozy, his lawyer and friend Thierry Herzog, as well as former prosecutor of the Court of Cassation Gilbert Azibert, are also facing charges. According to the allegations, the former president allegedly received confidential information from the prosecutor through his lawyer, including details about the wiretapping of his phones by investigators for other probes, particularly the "Libyan case" and the so-called "Batlankuri case." Additionally, the prosecution believes that the former president requested prosecutor Azibert to "facilitate" a favorable ruling for him. Specifically, Sarkozy demanded that the prosecutor be barred from examining his work schedule during his time in office as president.

The prosecution contends that Gilbert Azibert, in exchange for "favors" rendered to Sarkozy, requested help in arranging his appointment to a high position in the government of Monaco. Both Azibert and Herzog are also charged with "revealing the secrets of the investigation," along with the charges of "corruption" and "trading in influence."

Sarkozy maintains his complete innocence and describes the charges against him as "scandalous." Among his defense arguments is the fact that Mr. Azibert did not receive any position in Monaco, and that the Court of Cassation's 2014 decision regarding the "schedules" does not favor Sarkozy.

The state prosecutor insists that the mere "intention" expressed by Nicolas Sarkozy to assist Azibert in securing that position constitutes a crime.

This is the first instance in post-war French history where a former president stands "personally" before the court. Jacques Chirac, who was conditionally sentenced in 2011, did not appear at the hearings due to health reasons. Health issues have also altered this process from the outset, as 73-year-old former prosecutor Gilbert Azibert did not appear in court on the first day, citing health risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Azibert’s defense has submitted relevant medical documents to the court, after which judicial hearings were adjourned.