Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy escapes prison less than a month after being incarcerated

A court on Monday approved the early release of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy from prison pending his appeal, just weeks after he began serving a five-year sentence for conspiring to obtain illegal campaign funds, Reuters reports.

The former conservative president, now 70, was jailed on October 21 after a court found him guilty in September of participating in a criminal organization. The conviction was linked to the financing of his victorious 2007 campaign, when Sarkozy and his cronies actively tried to obtain financial support from the Libyan regime of Muammar al-Gaddafi.

He was acquitted of all other charges, including corruption and illegal campaign financing.

Sarkozy's prison sentence had been carried out quickly because of the “extraordinary gravity” of the offence, Judge Nathalie Gavarino told the court.

He was jailed last month in La Santé prison in Paris – a spectacular fall for a man who had led France from 2007 to 2012.

Prosecutors have recommended the release of Nicolas Sarkozy

But on Monday, the public prosecutor recommended that Sarkozy be released pending the appeal and placed under strict judicial supervision, with a ban on contacting other defendants and witnesses involved in the trial. The prosecutor stated that Sarkozy does not present a flight risk.

The court agreed to release him under judicial control, which will also include a ban on leaving France, BFM TV reported.

Sarkozy has consistently denied any wrongdoing, portraying himself as a victim of revenge and hatred. He was not physically present at Monday's hearing, participating via video conference from jail.

The former president told judges earlier in the day that he would comply with any requirements imposed by the court if he is released.

“I am French, sir. I love my country. I am fighting for the truth to come out. I will comply with all the obligations imposed on me, as I have always done,” he declared.

Speaking about his detention, he added: “It's hard. Very hard – as it has to be for any prisoner. I'd even say it's exhausting.”

Sarkozy, targeted by several criminal investigations

Reuters reports that Nicolas Sarkozy has faced several legal battles since leaving office.

Last year, France's highest court upheld a conviction for corruption and influence peddling, ordering him to wear an electronic bracelet for a year – a first for a former French head of state. The device has since been removed.

Also last year, an appeals court upheld another conviction in a separate case for illegally financing his failed 2012 re-election campaign. A final decision by France's highest court in the case is expected later this month.

Sarkozy is also under official investigation in another case, for complicity in influencing witnesses.