Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Charged with Witness Tampering and Fraud in Expanding Legal Troubles

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been charged with "concealment of witness tampering" and "participation in a criminal conspiracy to commit the offense of organized fraud." This announcement, which came as little surprise, follows a previous disclosure by French daily Libération in September that Sarkozy would be summoned for a hearing. Sarkozy's indictment is connected to the investigation into the retraction of businessman Ziad Takieddine's statements about giving Sarkozy €5 million in Libyan money to finance his 2007 presidential campaign.

Nine other individuals, including celebrity journalist Michèle Marchand, have already been indicted for witness tampering and criminal conspiracy in this case. It is worth noting that Takieddine's retraction has come at a convenient time for Sarkozy, who was indicted the previous month for criminal association in relation to the financing of his campaign. In an interview with BFM-TV and Paris Match, Takieddine stated that Sarkozy did not receive Libyan financing and accused the judge in charge of the investigation of manipulating his statements. Sarkozy welcomed Takieddine's retraction, stating that "the truth is finally out."

In the new probe, Sarkozy is accused of interfering with a witness and engaging in criminal association to commit fraud. He has been questioned for over 30 hours by investigating magistrates. Sarkozy, who denies any wrongdoing, is set to go on trial in 2025 for the allegations related to illegal Libyan funding for his 2007 campaign. This is not the first time Sarkozy has faced legal troubles, as he has already been convicted twice for corruption and influence peddling in separate cases. Sarkozy's lawyers have released a statement affirming their client's determination to defend his honor and assert his rights in the latest case.

At least nine other individuals are also under suspicion of participating in the alleged conspiracy, some of whom are believed to have attempted to bribe a Lebanese judge to secure the release of Moamar Kadhafi's son from Lebanon. If this case goes to trial, it will be Sarkozy's third impending court date, as he is also scheduled to stand trial next month for alleged violation of campaign financing rules during his unsuccessful 2012 reelection bid.