Judiciary Defends Rule of Law Following Sarkozy's Conviction Amid Threats Against Judges
French judiciary defends itself and the rule of law after Sarkozy's conviction, addressing threats against judges.
- • Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to five years for campaign financing violations.
- • Judiciary condemns threats against judges, prompting investigations.
- • Prosecutor emphasizes actions were devoid of personal animosity.
- • Sarkozy claims ruling demonstrates judicial hatred and rule of law violations.
Key details
In a significant judicial response on September 29, 2025, the French judiciary defended the rule of law following the conviction of former President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was sentenced to five years in prison for receiving illegal campaign funding from Libya during his 2007 presidential run. Prosecutor Jean-François Bohnert, head of the Parquet national financier (PNF), emphasized that his pursuit of Sarkozy was not motivated by hatred, countering Sarkozy’s claims that the ruling was driven by judicial animosity and constituted a violation of legal principles.
Bohnert stated, "We operate within the framework of the law, and our actions were guided by the principles of justice, not personal feelings," highlighting the importance of impartiality in the judicial process. He condemned the violent threats made against judges involved in the case, describing such actions as a direct threat to democracy itself. In response to these threats, the Paris prosecutor’s office has initiated two judicial investigations to ensure the safety of the judiciary.
Peimane Ghaleh-Marzban, the president of the Paris judicial court, backed Bohnert’s statements, labeling threats against judges as "insupportable and inadmissible." He clarified that the denial of immediate incarceration for Sarkozy, despite a five-year sentence, was due to considerations of his professional situation rather than any leniency related to the severity of his crimes.
Sarkozy has publicly criticized the court's decision, claiming it breached the limits of the rule of law and was part of a broader trend threatening democracy in France. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between political leaders and judicial authority in a nation grappling with issues of legality and governance.