Sarkozy, 70, is still awaiting sentencing but is expected to be able to walk out of court a free man by appealing the verdict, which would push sentencing until after the appeal. The former president was joined in court by his wife, Carla Bruni, and three sons: Pierre, Jean and aspiring politician Louis.
Sarkozy has repeatedly professed his innocence and claimed to be the victim of a smear campaign coordinated by Gadhafi’s allies after the former French president led the NATO effort to overthrow the Libyan dictator in 2011.
The conservative Sarkozy has had repeated run-ins with the law since leaving office — including one corruption case in which he was found guilty and has exhausted his appeals. But the Libyan case contained the most egregious charges and heaviest potential penalties.
Sarkozy was tried alongside 12 other defendants, only three of whom were acquitted of all charges.
This developing story will be updated.
