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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 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. 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, Gilbert Azibert, in exchange for information about an investigation into alleged illegal campaign funding.
They are looking into claims that he was warned his phone was being bugged as part of an inquiry into alleged illegal campaign funding. They are looking into claims that Mr Sarkozy was warned his phone was being bugged as part of the funding probe.
Gilbert Azibert, one of the most senior judges at the court of appeal, was had been called in for questioning on Monday. Another judge, Patrick Sassoust, was also held. Mr Azibert, one of the most senior judges at the court of appeal, was called in for questioning on Monday. Another judge, Patrick Sassoust, was also questioned, as was Mr Sarkozy's lawyer Thierry Herzog.
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. This 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 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. Government spokesman Stephane Le Foll denied any political pressure had been placed on the judicial system to prosecute Mr Sarkozy.
The investigators believe the former president was tipped off that his phone was being bugged. "The justice system is investigating and will follow this through to the end. Nicolas Sarkozy can face justice just like anyone else," Mr Le Foll said.
Mr Sarkozy insists the the allegations against him are politically motivated. Mr Sarkozy's allies rallied to support him.
Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, tweeted: "Never has any former president been the victim of such treatment, such an outburst of hatred."
Diaries
An investigation was launched in February into whether Mr Sarkozy had sought inside information about the inquiry into his 2007 election campaign funding.
It has been claimed that late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi helped fund the campaign.
It is alleged that Mr Sarkozy was kept informed of proceedings against him while a decision was made over whether his work diaries - seized as part of the funding inquiry - should be kept in the hands of the justice system.
The Court of Cassation ruled in March 2014 that the diaries should not be returned.
Investigators believe the former president was tipped off that his phone was being bugged as part of the inquiry.
Mr Sarkozy insists 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.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.
The former president is seeking to regain the leadership of the centre-right UMP party later this year.The former president is seeking to regain the leadership of the centre-right UMP party later this year.
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