France's ex-president Sarkozy to be protected by security detail in prison

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will have two police officers stationed in nearby cells while he is in prison to ensure he comes to no harm, France's interior minister said on Wednesday

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will have two police officers stationed in nearby cells while he is in prison to ensure he comes to no harm, France's interior minister said on Wednesday.

Sarkozy on Tuesday began a five-year sentence after being convicted of conspiring to raise campaign funds from Libya, arriving at La Sante prison in Paris - a stunning downfall for a man who led the country between 2007 and 2012.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told Europe 1 radio that two police officers who are part of the security detail protecting former presidents will be stationed permanently in neighboring cells throughout Sarkozy's incarceration.

"The former president of the republic is entitled to protection because of his status. There is obviously a threat against him, and this protection is being maintained while he is in detention," Nunez said.

He added that the officers would remain at Sarkozy's side throughout his incarceration "as long as it is necessary". The officers will be members of a team doing rotating shifts in the prison, French media reported.