DEVELOPING: Former French President Sarkozy Freed from Prison After Dramatic Court Ruling

Breaking News: Former French President Sarkozy Freed from Prison Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been granted early release from La Santé prison in Paris, just three weeks into a five-year prison term for conspiring to fund his 2007 election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Sarkozy, 70, was seen leaving the prison just before 15:00 (14:00 GMT) on Wednesday. Sarkozy's release comes after a court agreed to his early release, pending an appeal trial next March. He will be subject to strict judicial supervision and barred from leaving France. One of the conditions of his release is that he does not contact any justice ministry employees, following a visit from Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin during his incarceration. Sarkozy was sentenced on October 21 for his role in the corruption scandal. His lawyers immediately filed a request seeking his release, which was granted by the court. This development comes as 30 French lawyers filed a complaint against Darmanin over the visit. Sarkozy's release marks a significant turn in the case, but the appeal trial next March will determine the final outcome. The former president's freedom is conditional, and he will be closely monitored by the authorities. This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.