Sarkozy Trial Probes Corruption Allegations Tied to Libyan Funds

Key testimony this week examined a luxury watch gifted to Claude Guéant and alleged financial ties to Libyan intermediaries.

The trial centers on allegations that Nicolas Sarkozy's 2007 presidential campaign was illegally funded by Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi's regime.
Testimony highlighted a luxury Patek Philippe watch worth €11,300, gifted in 2006 by businessman Alexandre Djouhri to Claude Guéant, Sarkozy's former chief of staff.
Prosecutors argue the watch may have been an attempt to gauge Guéant's susceptibility to corruption, a claim both Guéant and Djouhri deny, citing 'pure friendship.'
The court also examined €500,000 allegedly transferred to Guéant in 2008, which the defense claims came from selling Flemish paintings, though prosecutors suspect Libyan funds.
The trial, involving 13 defendants including Sarkozy, continues through April, with broader allegations of corruption and financial misconduct under scrutiny.