Nicolas Sarkozy Files Human Rights Appeal Over Corruption Conviction

The former French president has taken his case to the European Court of Human Rights, challenging the judiciary's handling of his definitive conviction for corruption and influence peddling.

Nicolas Sarkozy filed a request with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on March 20, 2025, officially registered on March 26, to contest his corruption conviction.
Sarkozy claims his rights were violated by the French judiciary during his trial in the 'Bismuth' case, where he was sentenced to three years in prison, including one year under electronic monitoring.
His lawyer, Patrice Spinosi, confirmed the ECHR filing but did not disclose the specific arguments presented in the appeal.
The ECHR process is expected to take several months, during which Sarkozy continues serving his sentence under electronic monitoring.
Simultaneously, Sarkozy is on trial for alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign, facing potential severe penalties if convicted.