France’s ex-president Sarkozy challenges conviction over alleged Libya funding

French former president Nicolas Sarkozy maintained his innocence on Tuesday, telling an appeal hearing in Paris that not a single cent from Libya helped fund his 2007 presidential campaign.“I owe the truth to the French people,” Sarkozy told a three-judge panel during a hearing in the case that led him to spend 20 days in prison before being granted release pending appeal. “I’m innocent,” he said.Sarkozy, 71, is challenging his conviction after being found guilty in September of criminal conspiracy. He was sentenced to five years in prison for his alleged part in a scheme to obtain funds from the government of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in exchange for political and diplomatic favours.Sarkozy has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and claims the allegations are politically motivated.His wife, supermodel-turned-singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, attended Tuesday’s hearing which focused on his role as a conservative presidential candidate and then president from 2007 to 2012.Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy (left) and his wife Carla Bruni leave the courtroom at the Palais de Justice courthouse in Paris on Tuesday. Photo: AFPThe 12-week appeal trial, which began last month, will re-examine all of the evidence and testimony related to him and nine codefendants – including three former ministers.