Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy began serving his five-year prison sentence on Tuesday at La Santé prison in Paris.

He is the first former French president in living memory to be incarcerated and only the third in French history to go to prison.

Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was sentenced in September for criminal conspiracy over plans to secure campaign funds from late Libyan dictator Muammer Gaddafi.

A Paris judge ruled he should start serving his sentence immediately, without waiting for his appeal, citing the offense’s serious disruption to public order.

For security reasons, Sarkozy will be held separately from other inmates.

He continues to maintain his innocence regarding the charges.

The incarceration is described as “completely unprecedented,” marking the first time a French leader has been jailed since World War II, France 24 has reported.

Sarkozy’s sentence has fueled national and international attention due to its historic nature.

Authorities emphasized the seriousness of the criminal conspiracy and its impact on public trust in political institutions.

His imprisonment highlights France’s commitment to accountability for high-ranking officials, regardless of their former status.