Former French President Sarkozy Prepares for Prison Term While Maintaining Innocence in Libya Funding Case

Nicolas Sarkozy, who served as France's president from 2007 to 2012, is facing a five-year prison sentence beginning Tuesday after being found guilty of attempting to obtain campaign funding from Libya in 2007.

In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Sarkozy declared he is not fearful of his impending incarceration at Paris's Sante prison, scheduled for October 21. The former French leader mentioned he has already prepared his belongings and feels composed as his sentence approaches.

"I am not afraid of prison. I will hold my head high, even in front of the gates of Sante," Sarkozy stated, emphasizing that he won't request any special treatment during his confinement.

The former president informed La Tribune Dimanche that he doesn't seek sympathy or wish to complain about his imprisonment. According to the newspaper, Sarkozy intends to utilize his time behind bars to write a book.

Sarkozy was convicted of criminal conspiracy related to efforts by his close associates to secure funding for his successful 2007 presidential campaign from Libya under the rule of the late dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Sarkozy has consistently maintained his innocence and has appealed the conviction.