Sarkozy Faces Trial Over Alleged Libyan Campaign Funding

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy stands trial on allegations of accepting illicit funding from the late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi for his 2007 presidential campaign.

The charges include passive corruption, illegal campaign financing, criminal association, and embezzlement of public funds. If convicted, Sarkozy, 69, could face up to 10 years in prison.

The high-profile case, dubbed the "Libyan Case" in French media, has been under investigation since 2011, following reports of cash deliveries linked to Sarkozy's campaign.

Prosecutors allege that Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine facilitated the transfer of cash-filled suitcases from Libyan officials. However, Takieddine, who is also implicated, has fled to Lebanon and will not appear in court.

Sarkozy has consistently denied the accusations, dismissing the evidence as fabricated and maintaining his innocence. Alongside him, 11 other individuals, including former ministers, are also facing trial.