INTERNACIONAL
Former French President Sarkozy begins a 5-year prison sentence for campaign finance conspiracy
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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy entered a prison in Paris on Tuesday to begin serving a 5-year sentence for a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya — a historic moment that makes him the first ex-leader of modern France to be imprisoned.
Sarkozy, 70, was greeted by hundreds of supporters when he walked out of his Paris home earlier in the day hand-in-hand with his wife, supermodel-turned-singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. He embraced her before getting into a police car.
Minutes later, the vehicle passed through the gates of the notorious La Santé prison — where Sarkozy will now serve his sentence in solitary confinement.
Sarkozy was convicted last month of criminal conspiracy in a scheme to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya.
He contests both the conviction and a judge’s unusual decision to incarcerate him pending appeal. His lawyers said Tuesday that they filed an immediate request for his release.
FORMER FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN LIBYA CORRUPTION CASE
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy leave their home on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Paris as Nicolas Sarkozy heads to prison to serve time for a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
A show of defiance
«It’s an ominous day for him, for France and for our institutions, because this incarceration is a disgrace,» Sarkozy’s lawyer Jean-Michel Darrois told reporters soon after his incarceration.
In a show of defiance and while on his way to the prison, Sarkozy released a statement on social media declaring that «an innocent man» was being locked up.
«I will continue to denounce this judicial scandal,» he wrote. «The truth will prevail.»
Sarkozy told Le Figaro newspaper that he would bring three books to prison — the maximum allowed — including Alexandre Dumas’ «The Count of Monte Cristo,″ in which the hero escapes from an island prison before seeking revenge. He also picked a biography of Jesus Christ.
«I’m not afraid of prison. I’ll hold my head high, including in front of the doors of La Santé,» he told La Tribune Dimanche newspaper last week. «I’ll fight till the end.»
Sarkozy has repeatedly said he is the victim of «a plot» staged by some people linked to the Libyan government and denounced the Sept. 25 verdict as a «scandal.»
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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, center, arrives at La Sante prison to serve time for a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya, on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Paris. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
Solitary confinement
Sarkozy’s lawyers said he will be kept away from all other prisoners for security reasons. They said he packed a bag with a few sweaters because the prison is cold and earplugs because it’s noisy.
Christophe Ingrain, another of Sarkozy’s lawyers, denounced «a serious injustice.»
«It’s a very difficult time, but the president has stood strong,» Ingrain said. «He doesn’t complain, hasn’t asked for anything, no special treatment.»
Solitary confinement implies that Sarkozy will never see other inmates and will spend most of his time alone in his cell, Ingrain said.
He will be allowed to go outdoors one hour per day alone in the prison yard and to get three visits per week from his family, Ingrain said, adding that he is planning to write a book about his prison experience.
BRAZIL’S EX-PRESIDENT AND MAJOR TRUMP ALLY BOLSONARO PLACED ON HOUSE ARREST
People stand behind French flags with inscription reading «Courage Nicolas, come back soon,» right, and «True France with Nicolas» outside former French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s home, on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Paris. (AP Photo/Masha Macpherson)
An outpouring of support for the ex-president
Sarkozy’s journey from the presidential Elysée Palace to La Santé prison has captivated France.
After leaving their home, Sarkozy and his wife walked slowly to join family members, including his children and grandchildren, outside his home.
«I’m very proud to share his name, and very proud of how he’s reacting,» said his brother, Guillaume Sarkozy. «I’m truly convinced that he is innocent.»
Hundreds of supporters applauded and chanted «Nicolas, Nicolas» and sang the French anthem. Two French flags were hung on a nearby fence, with the words «Courage Nicolas, return soon» and «true France with Nicolas.»
Parisian resident Virginie Rochon, 44, came in support of Sarkozy, calling it «scandalous» to see «a former president being taken away while still presumed innocent.»
Another supporter, Véronique Maurey, 50, said: «it’s just not possible. And on top of that, calling it a ‘criminal conspiracy’ kind of makes all of us feel like criminals too, because we voted for him. It’s not right to say that.»
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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy reacts before entering a police car on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Paris as he heads to prison to serve time for a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Meeting with Macron
Embattled centrist President Emmanuel Macron hosted the conservative Sarkozy at the presidential palace last week, explaining it was «normal on a human level» to receive one of his predecessors in this context.
On Tuesday, Macron said he would not comment on a justice decision. «Nevertheless, it’s normal that the image of a president being imprisoned … may prompt comments,» he said.
«We must distinguish emotion, including the legitimate emotion of relatives and part of the country … and the proper functioning of justice,» Macron added.
Sarkozy has been retired from active politics for years but remains very influential, especially in conservative circles.
France’s top magistrate Rémy Heitz, Prosecutor-General at the Court of Cassation, warned Tuesday about a risk of «hindering (justice) serenity» and of «undermining the independence of judges,» including when the justice minister — a former conservative who joined Macron’s party — plans to visit Sarkozy in prison.
«The goal for everyone must be serenity, to allow justice to truly rule independently… free from any pressure,» Heitz said.
The Paris court ruled last month that Sarkozy would start to serve prison time without waiting for his appeal to be heard, due to «the seriousness of the disruption to public order caused by the offense.»
The court said Sarkozy, as a presidential candidate and interior minister, used his position «to prepare corruption at the highest level» from 2005 to 2007, to finance his presidential campaign with funds from Libya — then led by longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi.
Under the ruling, Sarkozy was able to file a request for release to the appeals court only once behind bars. Judges have up to two months to process it.
france,associated press,world
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Local authorities in the UK have dramatically increased their use of drones, fueling fears that the government is monitoring or even snooping on people from above, according to reports.
Data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show that more than 60 councils have hired staff certified to operate aerial drones, while at least a dozen other authorities are looking for guidance to launch similar programs.
Because the CAA only records pilots sponsored by their employers, experts in the UK have since warned the real number of publicly funded drone operators could be even higher.
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A drone is seen in the sky as Chinese drone maker DJI holds a demonstration to display an app that tracks a drone’s registration and owner in Montreal, Canada, Nov. 3, 2019. (Reuters)
UK watchdog group Big Brother Watch has accused local governments of drifting toward «spies in the sky» tactics that further erode civil liberties in a nation already covered by widespread CCTV monitoring.
Jake Hurfurt, head of research and investigations, cautioned that while drones can support legitimate tasks such as flood monitoring or land surveys, they must not become tools for unchecked surveillance.
«There may be a role for drones in helping councils monitor flooding or conduct land surveys, but local authorities must not use the technology as spies in the sky» he said.
«Britain is already one of the most surveilled countries on Earth. With CCTV cameras on street corners, we do not need flying cameras too. Councils must make sure that they do not use this technology for intrusive monitoring of their citizens.»
UFO-LIKE ‘DRONES’ TARGETED POLICE HELICOPTER OVER AIR BASE BEFORE VANISHING: REPORT
UK local authorities have expanded their use of drones, fueling fears that the government is increasingly monitoring citizens. (Neil Hall/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
«Just because it’s possible, it does not mean it’s something they should do,» he added.
Previously, Hurfurt also criticized London’s Metropolitan Police’s use of drones as first responders, warning that the rollout is occurring without clear policies governing when, how or why drones can be deployed.
Without safeguards, he said, the technology risks becoming airborne CCTV or, worse, a way to monitor lawful protest activity.
«Without robust safeguards, there is a real risk of mission creep and drones becoming flying CCTV cameras or watching people lawfully protesting,» he said in a statement shared online.
PENTAGON EXPLORING COUNTER-DRONE SYSTEMS TO PREVENT INCURSIONS OVER NATIONAL SECURITY FACILITIES
A police woman holds a drone during a demonstration of the Metropolitan Police’s new Drone as First Responder (DFR) pilot program at Islington Police Station. (Lucy North/PA Images via Getty Images)
«The Metropolitan Police must be transparent about its thresholds for using drones and take care to balance the rights of Londoners with the purported benefits of drone use,» he added.
Despite the concerns, Hammersmith and Fulham Council plans to integrate drones into its 70-member law enforcement team, which issued more than 2,200 fines last year.
The borough says drones will help in combating antisocial behavior, supplementing a lack of police manpower and work alongside CCTV equipped with live facial recognition.
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Sunderland currently operates the largest known council drone fleet, with 13 aircraft and multiple trained pilots.
Their drones are used to detect and prevent crime, enforce environmental rules and oversee public gatherings.
Other councils, including North West Leicestershire, Stockton-on-Tees, Newcastle, North Norfolk and Thurrock are also said to be using drones for everything from planning enforcement to monitoring coastal disputes, according to GB News.
drones,tech,united kingdom
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West Coast city snubs ‘Christmas’ from tree lighting again while activists wave Palestinian flag onstage
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Portland, Oregon, is under fire for again hosting its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and nixing any mention of the Christian holiday, while leaders of the event instead waved a Palestinian flag and led the crowd in chants.
«Free, free, free Palestine,» a woman holding a Palestinian flag on stage of the lighting event said while leading the crowd in a chant Friday evening, before also singing the «Strong Woman Song» while joined by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, which is a confederation of three native tribes in Oregon.
The event was decked out in Christmas lights, a traditionally decorated tree and a visit from Santa Claus, but did not promote any mention of Christmas, with organizers instead advertising the festive occasion as «Portland’s 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony,» according to social media accounts for Pioneer Courthouse Square, where the tree is displayed.
Fox News Digital reviewed the Portland government’s Facebook, X and Instagram accounts and found advertisements and footage showing the tree lighting, but did not include the word «Christmas.» A calendar for the annual event shows organizers have bypassed calling it a «Christmas» tree lighting event going back to at least 2019.
ICONIC DC LANDMARK UNVEILS FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE AS PART OF PUSH TO REVIVE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
Portland, Oregon, is under fire for not mentioning Christmas while promoting its annual tree lighting in a local square. (Getty Images)
«Portland’s Tree is lit!» one caption on an Instagram video shared by the Portland, Oregon, Instagram account stated.
«Portland’s 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by SmartPark is tonight!» another message shared on social media by both the Portland, Oregon, government and Pioneer Courthouse Square stated.
«Celebrate the highlight of the Downtown Holiday Season as Santa Claus flips the switch, illuminating more than 9,500 colorful LED lights to shine bright on our City’s 75’ Douglas-fir, generously donated by Stimson Lumber for all to enjoy. SEE YOU TONIGHT, PORTLAND!» it added.
Social media commenters sounded off online that the deep blue city refused to mention the word «Christmas.»
«The City of Portland and local media outlets are calling this ‘The Tree’ because they despise Christians like me and many of you so much they can’t bring themselves to say the word ‘Christmas,’» independent journalist David Medina posted to X.
Conservative social media critics say the recent Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland, Oregon, did not include any mention of Christmas. (Fred de Noyelle via Getty Images)
«They can’t even say Christmas tree in Portland. They call it ‘the tree,’» another conservative account posted to X in response to a video Medina posted.
BIRTHPLACE OF JESUS TO RESUME CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AFTER WAR FORCED A TWO-YEAR PAUSE
«Thousands came to the Christmas tree lighting — and many told me parts of the program felt like political messaging that was out of place and inappropriate for a family event. Why are our public traditions being pulled into ideology and virtue signaling instead of serving the community? Portland deserves events that unite us, not moments that push someone’s narrative,» community journalism outlet PDX Real posted to X.
«In Portland they’re trying to take the Christmas out of Christmas tree. It’s a Christmas tree, it’s always been a Christmas tree, and it will always be a Christmas tree. These people will slowly take everything until there’s nothing left if given the opportunity,» one social media account posted.
A handful of local media outlets described the Christmas tree as a «holiday tree» in headlines, while others did refer to the event as a «Christmas tree lighting,» as did some local officials on their social media accounts, Fox News Digital found.
Democratic Portland Mayor Keith Wilson’s office also explicitly called the event a «Christmas Tree Lighting» in response to Fox News Digital while brushing off the criticisms of the event.
«Mayor Wilson was delighted to join Portland’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting alongside Christmas carolers and holiday festivities,» Wilson’s office said when asked about the criticisms. «That said, framing it otherwise feels like quite the reach.»
Pioneer Courthouse Square has displayed the main Portland, Oregon, Christmas tree stretching back decades. (Craig Mitchelldyer/Getty Images)
‘ANARCHISTS ILLEGALLY TOOK THEM DOWN,’ NOW PORTLAND IS PUTTING STATUES OF LINCOLN AND ROOSEVELT BACK UP
The tree lighting ceremony also included a group of women, including the woman holding a Palestinian flag singing the «Strong Woman Song,» which is an intertribal indigenous song. A representative from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs championed that the lighting ceremony was held on the same day as Native American Heritage Day.
«On this Native American Heritage Day, I hold both gratitude and truth,» one woman said from the stage. «The tree that we stand beside was once rooted in its own home bringing it here holds a complexity that indigenous people, tribal peoples feel deeply in our teachings, the trees, rivers, mountains, all living beings are family more than the objects and more than the symbols that they might stand for.»
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The Oregon event was attended by thousands, according to local media, with many revelers telling outlets that they were thrilled to take part in the long-running tradition.
oregon,christmas
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