Sarkozy, who has consistently denied the allegations, was accused of striking a deal with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to secure campaign funds in return for easing Tripoli’s diplomatic isolation on the global stage, Reuters reported.

The court, however, acquitted Sarkozy of other charges, including corruption, noting that there was no evidence he had personally entered into such an agreement or that funds from Libya had directly reached his campaign coffers.

Despite this, the judge ruled that the conspiracy conviction warranted a custodial sentence, meaning the former president will serve prison time regardless of any appeal he may file.

In addition to the jail term, Sarkozy was ordered to pay a fine of €100,000.