Nicolas Sarkozy released after 20 days behind bars

The Paris court ruled that Sarkozy will remain free pending the outcome of his appeal.

Sarkozy was previously convicted of criminal conspiracy for his alleged involvement in a scheme to finance his 2007 presidential campaign using funds from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors.

Speaking via video conference during Monday’s hearing, Sarkozy said that his 20 days in La Santé prison had been extremely difficult.

Prosecutors had requested that the former president be released under judicial supervision, with restrictions placed on his communications.

According to CNN, the court also ruled that Sarkozy is prohibited from contacting individuals involved in his case, including France’s current Minister of Justice, whose visit to Sarkozy in prison in October had drawn public scrutiny.