Ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012 to be held in isolation with cell with private showers, television, landline telephone

Disgraced leader vows to appeal 'scandalous' ruling, but must still serve time behind bars

PARIS, Dec 9 — The word ‘Merci’ was projected on to the front of Paris' Notre-Dame cathedral as it reopened on Saturday, in thanks for its salvation after a devastating fire that brought the 860-year-old building close to collapse five years ago.

PARIS, March 2 — A French court on Monday convicted former president Nicolas Sarkozy on charges of corruption and influence-peddling and handed him a three-year prison sentence, including two years suspended.