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French ex-President Sarkozy held over influence claims | French ex-President Sarkozy held over influence claims |
(35 minutes later) | |
French ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy has been detained for questioning over alleged influence peddling. | French ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy has been detained for questioning over alleged influence peddling. |
Mr Sarkozy is being held at Nanterre, near Paris, in an unprecedented step against a former president. | |
Mr Sarkozy's lawyer was questioned on Monday on suspicion of seeking inside information about a case against the former leader. | Mr Sarkozy's lawyer was questioned on Monday on suspicion of seeking inside information about a case against the former leader. |
The latest developments are seen as a blow to Mr Sarkozy's attempts to challenge for the presidency in 2017. | The latest developments are seen as a blow to Mr Sarkozy's attempts to challenge for the presidency in 2017. |
Investigators are trying to find out whether Mr Sarkozy, 59, who was president from 2007 to 2012, had promised a prestigious role in Monaco to a high-ranking judge in exchange for information. | |
Gilbert Azibert, one of the most senior judges at the court of appeal, was also called in for questioning on Monday. Another judge, Patrick Sassoust, was also held. | Gilbert Azibert, one of the most senior judges at the court of appeal, was also called in for questioning on Monday. Another judge, Patrick Sassoust, was also held. |
The decision to detain Mr Sarkozy is thought to be the first time a French former head of state has been held in police custody. | The decision to detain Mr Sarkozy is thought to be the first time a French former head of state has been held in police custody. |
His predecessor, Jacques Chirac, was however given a suspended prison sentence in 2011 for embezzlement and breach of trust while he was mayor of Paris. | His predecessor, Jacques Chirac, was however given a suspended prison sentence in 2011 for embezzlement and breach of trust while he was mayor of Paris. |
Investigators will be able to hold Mr Sarkozy for an initial period of 24 hours but can extend custody for another day. | Investigators will be able to hold Mr Sarkozy for an initial period of 24 hours but can extend custody for another day. |
It is alleged that Mr Sarkozy was kept informed of proceedings against him while a decision was being made over whether his work diaries should be kept in the hands of the justice system. | |
The investigators believe the former president was tipped off that his phone was being bugged. | |
Mr Sarkozy insists the the allegations against him are politically motivated. | |
But the BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris says it is clear they represent another obstacle in the way of his planned return to frontline French politics. |