He stands trial in a Paris court along with his lawyer Thierry Herzog, 65, and the magistrate, Gilbert Azibert, 73. They face a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of 1 million euros ($1.2 million). Sarkozy and Herzog explained that they bought the phones to avoid being targeted by illegal phone tapping. This is the first time a former president faces trial for corruption in France. Allegations, which include illegal financing of his 2007 campaign by then-Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, cast a shadow over Sarkozy's comeback attempt for the 2017 presidential election.

Source: Libya Today November 23, 2020 08:26 UTC