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As he was transported at the Parisian detention facility on Tuesday, Nicolas Sarkozy posted a declaration filled with resistance via social media, writing, "It's not a ex-leader of the nation entering prison today, it's an innocent man." The appeals judiciary will in time give its view the accuracy of this assertion. But unfortunately for the ex-president, the drama and importance of his downfall cannot be ignored.

The Legal Judgment

President of France from 2007 to 2012, Mr Sarkozy was found guilty of illegal collaboration to obtain illicit campaign funds from the administration of the late Libyan dictator, the Libyan strongman. Given a five-year sentence, he has become the first former leader of an EU member state to be imprisoned, and the initial French president since the disgraced head of wartime France, Marshal Pétain. Across France where the democratically selected head of state enjoys a near-royal standing, Tuesday's unprecedented scene was a historic occasion.

Citizen Confidence and Judicial Responsibility

During a period when trust in government bodies in France has plummeted to the degree where the lights are flashing red, it was also a sobering reminder that no one is above the law. In a poll released recently, over 65% of those surveyed stated that they thought a majority of government figures were corrupt, and nearly nine out of 10 reported that many behaved predominantly out of personal gain. While judging the former president and mandating that his incarceration should begin without delay, the court official, the judicial authority, noted that she took into account both the extremely serious character of the offences and the fact that they were "potentially erode the people's faith."

Judicial Threats

These considerations might be considered unexceptional, especially given that the ex-president has previously been sentenced in distinct bribery proceedings. However the legal proceedings and its consequences have alarmingly revealed the scope to which across the country, as in various states, the legal system is jeopardized by a recently popular disdain for courts and the attempted manipulation of the popular view.

In Trumpian fashion, an comprehensive and precise judicial procedure has been baselessly portrayed by the former president's allies as a legal conspiracy and ideological revenge. Following the ruling in September, the ex-leader publicly criticized his judgment as invalid and censured the "hostility" with "no restraints" that allegedly motivated it. Since senior politicians and supporters from the traditional and radical have filled the airwaves and traditional outlets with the same talking points, Ms Gavarino has received multiple threats.

Societal Feedback

Encouragingly, the citizens seems unconvinced. A survey after the ruling found clear majorities endorsing both the conduct of the legal case and his punishment. But the turmoil, and the blatant effort to damage the credibility of the court system, was very likely only a preliminary test. During winter, Marine Le Pen's court petition against a conviction for embezzlement of political funds will be heard. If unsuccessful, the far-right National Rally leader will be excluded from running in the 2027 presidential race.

Future Implications

Within a divided and skeptical country, that will be a risky period for the French judiciary to handle. Mr Sarkozy could still be freed prior to his appeal hearing, following a request by his legal team. Yet the reckless and unfounded criticisms on the legal system at all stages of his trial have set a damaging precedent.