Sarkozy in custody facing charges of his campaign funding by Gaddafi
French police have detained former President Nicolas Sarkozy for questioning as part of an investigation into his Presidential campaign financing.
The French newspaper Le Monde said the investigation was about accusing Sarkozy of receiving money from late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, which he funded his presidential campaign in 2007, while French judicial authorities are investigating the case since 2013.
Another source said that a former minister and a close ally of Sarkozy, Brice Aortvo, was also questioned by the police Tuesday morning under the file «Libyan financing».
Last January, British authorities arrested a French businessman suspected of transferring money from Gaddafi to finance Sarkozy’s campaign and was released on bail after being brought before a London court.
Mr. Sarkozy, who served as French president between 2007 and 2012, categorically denies receiving any illegal funding for his campaign and rejects Libyan funding claims, calling it «ridiculous».
Ironically, Sarkozy arrest took place just on the same day which is the seventh anniversary of Libya bombing campaign by western countries on March 19, 2011, following an air embargo on Libya under the pretext of protecting civilians.
Former French Nicolas Sarkozy was one of the most enthusiastic preachers to overthrow Gaddafi’s regime at that time.
International New Agencies