Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from prison after serving a three-week sentence for accepting millions in illegal campaign funds from former Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Sarkozy has been released from prison, banned from leaving France, and will be placed under strict supervision.

Sarkozy, who has appealed, will appear in court again in 2026.

Sarkozy, 70, is accused of accepting money from Gaddafi for the 2007 election.

After his release from prison, he wrote on his social media page, "I will do everything I can to prove my innocence. The truth will prevail the story is not over yet."

The former president was seen leaving La Santé prison in his car after a court ruled for his release. One of Sarkozy's lawyers, Christophe Ingrin, described his client's release as a "big step".

One of the conditions set for his release from prison was that the former president be prohibited from meeting with any witnesses or justice department staff.