Mr Sarkozy, who denies the charges, is appealing against the ruling, Reuters reported, citing his lawyers. A spokeswoman for Mr Sarkozy did not return calls seeking comment. If the judicial ruling is upheld by an appeal court, the trial would be the second that Mr Sarkozy would face as a prime suspect since retiring from politics in 2016. Mr Sarkozy denies wrongdoing. Last week, Mr Sarkozy vowed to restore his honour and “crush” those responsible for what he described as a “machination”.

Source: The Irish Times March 29, 2018 16:18 UTC