Nicolas Sarkozy has been released early from prison, awaiting his appeal, after serving part of his five-year sentence for conspiracy.

A court in France decided on Monday to grant early release to former president Nicolas Sarkozy, who began serving a five-year sentence for conspiracy to obtain illegal funds for his 2007 electoral campaign. Sarkozy, at the age of 70, was incarcerated on October 21, after being found guilty by a court in September. Although he was acquitted of other charges, his conviction was related to attempts to obtain financial support from the Libyan regime of Muammar al-Gaddafi. Prosecutors recommended his release under strict judicial supervision, with a ban on contacting other individuals involved in the case. Sarkozy has consistently denied the allegations, claiming that he is a victim of revenge. He participated in Monday's hearing via videoconference, expressing his desire to comply with all court requirements. The former president is facing several criminal investigations, including a previous conviction for corruption and influence peddling, and is awaiting a final decision in another case of illegal funding for his 2012 campaign.