Former French President Sarkozy Detained for Questioning in Corruption Probe

Local Editor

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was detained for questioning in a widening corruption probe on Tuesday, a judicial source stated, in an unprecedented move against a former French president.

Sarkozy is the focus of an investigation launched in February into whether he sought to use his influence to get information about a separate inquiry into allegations that late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi funded his 2007 election campaign.

Investigators suspect Sarkozy and his lawyer kept tabs on the case by using a network of well-connected informants, which only came to light following phone taps.

The case is one of six legal investigations involving Sarkozy, including a new one this year into separate irregularities in his unsuccessful 2012 election campaign.

Sarkozy arrived early Tuesday to be quizzed by investigators at their offices in Nanterre, west of Paris, after his lawyer was held for questioning on Monday.

Asked about the matter, French government spokesman Stephane Le Foll said Sarkozy was "subject to justice just like everyone else."

Anti-corruption investigators can hold Sarkozy for questioning for up to 24 hours, with a possible extension of another day.

The investigators are seeking to establish if the former president, with the help of Herzog, attempted to pervert the course of justice.

Moreover, local media said it was the first time a former head of state had been held for questioning in modern French history.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team