In a broadcast on a major French television channel, BFMTV, lawyer Jacqueline Laffon spoke on behalf of former president Nicolas Sarkozy. She asserted that there is no evidence tying Sarkozy to the so-called telegraphing case and argued that the former leader should not be found guilty. Laffon promised to defend Sarkozy vigorously, stating she would stand by him “to the end” as the proceedings unfold.
The legal team has reiterated that the case lacks substantive proof, insisting that any conviction would be unfounded. This stance sparked renewed discussion about the merits of the charges and the standards of evidence required in French criminal proceedings. Sarkozy’s supporters emphasize that the burden rests on the prosecution to demonstrate guilt beyond reasonable doubt, and they maintain that the record does not meet that threshold.
On May 17, the Paris Court of Appeal confirmed the decision against Sarkozy, allowing it to stand as issued. The ruling carried a sentence of one year of immediate imprisonment, along with an additional two years of suspended imprisonment. The judgment also included a three-year ban from civil rights and other sanctions affecting Sarkozy’s public activity. News outlets noted the impact of the verdict on Sarkozy’s political and public life, highlighting how such penalties influence a former head of state’s post-office opportunities and eligibility for future public roles.
Following the appellate decision, Sarkozy’s legal team indicated plans to appeal the conviction before France’s highest court, the Court of Cassation. The defense argued that the case warranted review to ensure all legal standards were properly applied and that the evidence supported a different posture on guilt or innocence. Observers have pointed to the broader implications of the appeal process for high-profile political figures facing criminal charges, including questions about judicial review, political accountability, and the role of appellate courts in reassessing complex financial and administrative matters.