Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to five years in Libya campaign financing case

Nicolas Sarkozy, president from 2007-12, was found guilty of criminal conspiracy but cleared of other charges.

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The Paris criminal court acquitted him of all other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing.

The ruling means he will spend time in jail even if he launches an appeal, which Sarkozy says he intends to do.

Speaking after Thursday's hearing, the 70-year-old, who was president from 2007-12, said the verdict was "extremely serious for rule of law".

Sarkozy, who claims the case is politically motivated, was accused of using the funds from Gaddafi to finance his 2007 election campaign.