Hungarian leader condemns Sarkozy ruling, urges end to "persecution"

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sharply criticised the decision of a Paris court to sentence former French President Nicolas Sarkozy to five years in prison, describing the ruling as a “witch hunt.”

According to Caliber.Az, Orbán voiced his position in a statement published on X.

"Another day, another witch hunt against a European patriot. The persecution against President NicolasSarkozy must come to an end!

President Sarkozy is a man of honour. I wish him much strength in his fight for JUSTICE.

Mr. President, the Hungarian patriots are with you!" he wrote.

On September 25, Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy over illicit funds received from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The Paris criminal court acquitted Sarkozy on other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing.

Prosecutors had accused Sarkozy of using millions of euros provided by Gaddafi to fund his 2007 presidential campaign, alleging that in exchange, Sarkozy pledged to assist in rehabilitating Gaddafi’s tarnished international image.

Judge Nathalie Gavarino stated that Sarkozy had allowed his close associates to engage with Libyan officials to secure financial support for his campaign. However, the court concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove that Sarkozy personally benefited from illegal campaign financing.

Despite the acquittals, the court sentenced Sarkozy to five years in prison, ruling that at least two years must be served in custody. He was also ordered to pay a €100,000 fine. The decision requires Sarkozy to begin serving his sentence even if he lodges an appeal.

The former president may be taken into custody in Paris within days, marking a historic precedent as the first French ex-head of state to face imprisonment. The ruling represents a major setback for Sarkozy, who has consistently maintained his innocence in this and other ongoing legal cases.

Tamilla Hasanova