Sarkozy quizzed in corruption probe
Former President detained by police investigating allegations that he tried to pervert the course of justice
FORMER French President Nicolas Sarkozy was detained by police this morning as part of a corruption investigation.
It follows the detention of his lawyer, Thierry Herzog, and two former magistrates yesterday.
Police are investigating whether Mr Sarkozy and Mr Herzog attempted to pervert the course of justice by obtaining information from one of the magistrates about an investigation and that he received a tip that a mobile phone he owned under an assumed name had been tapped during a probe into allegations that his 2007 election campaign was financed in part by money from Libya.
It has been reported that the current investigation was triggered by conversations recorded between Mr Sarkozy and Mr Herzog on the former President’s “secret” phone.
Le Monde reported in March that investigates believe they have uncovered that the former President had a “network” of police and judicial informants.
Interference in the judicial process in France, known as “influence peddling” carries a maximum jail term of 10 years.
Mr Sarkozy was taken into custody shortly before 8am at the Central Office for the Fight Against Corruption and Financial and Tax Offences in Nanterre.
BFMTV are reporting that this is the first time a former President of France has been held in custody.
