(MENAFN) Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy began his prison sentence on Tuesday morning, marking the start of a five-year term for his involvement in a "criminal conspiracy" related to Libyan funding of his 2007 presidential campaign.

Sarkozy was taken to the La Santé prison in Paris, becoming the first ex-French president to officially serve time behind bars, as reported by a broadcaster.

Supporters gathered in large numbers outside Sarkozy’s residence, with over 100 individuals showing their solidarity. Sarkozy's attorney, Christophe Ingrain, informed the broadcaster that a request for his release would be filed "very quickly."

He also mentioned that Sarkozy would remain in detention for "three weeks to a month" while awaiting a decision from the appeal court.

Before his departure from his home, Sarkozy used the US social media platform X to deliver a final statement. In it, he vowed to keep exposing what he referred to as a "judicial scandal."

He reiterated that the case involved "illegal financing" despite there being no actual financing, and that the long-standing investigation had been based on a falsified document, now proven to be fraudulent.

Sarkozy further emphasized that he did not seek any special treatment or favors.

"This morning I feel a profound sorrow for France, which has been humiliated by an expression of vengeance that has raised hatred to an unparalleled level. I have no doubt. The truth will triumph. But what a crushing price will have been paid," he added.

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