French prosecutors on Wednesday asked for a 7-year prison sentence for former president Nicolas Sarkozy in his appeal trial over allegations that he sought Libyan financing for his 2007 election campaign. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The case centers on claims that Sarkozy struck a secret deal with Muammar Gaddafi, under which Libya would help fund his campaign in return for support to restore Gaddafi's standing abroad. Sarkozy has denied wrongdoing and said there was "not a single cent of Libyan money" in the 2007 campaign. [1, 2, 3]
Prosecutors also sought a €300,000 ($350,000) fine and a 5-year ban on holding public office. [4]
A lower court previously sentenced Sarkozy in the case, and he later spent 20 days in custody before being released pending appeal. The case is part of a wider set of legal problems for Sarkozy, who has received 2 definitive convictions in other cases. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The appeal trial began in mid-March, and a verdict is expected on Nov. 30. [1, 3, 4]
