France's ex-president Sarkozy to be protected by police officers in prison

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy leaves his house on the day of his incarceration at the Sante prison to begin his five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy over attempts to raise campaign funds from Libya, in Paris, France, October 21, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

PARIS (Reuters) -Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will have two police officers stationed in nearby cells while he is in prison to ensure he comes to no harm, France's interior minister said on Wednesday.

Sarkozy on Tuesday began a five-year sentence after being convicted of conspiring to raise campaign funds from Libya, arriving at La Sante prison in Paris - a stunning downfall for a man who led the country between 2007 and 2012.