The trial of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy on charges related to alleged Libyan funding of his successful 2007 presidential bid is to begin in Paris on Monday.
Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012, is accused of accepting millions of dollars worth of illegal campaign financing from the regime of former Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi.
Sarkozy has always denied the allegations.
The former president is on trial alongside 12 other defendants on charges of illegal campaign financing, misappropriation of public funds and bribery.
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Among the co-defendants are former interior ministers Claude GuĂ©ant and Brice Hortefeux, as well as former labour minister Ăric Woerth.
If found guilty, Sarkozy faces up to 10 years in prison and a heavy fine. Several of his co-defendants could also receive 10-year sentences.
The trial is set to begin at 1:30 pm (1230 GMT) and is scheduled to last until April 10.
France has requested legal assistance from 21 countries for its extensive investigations into the Libya affair, which fill 73 trial records.
Sarkozy has already stood trial on various other charges. In mid-December, he was found guilty of trying to influence the judiciary.
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He was sentenced to a one-year sentence at home wearing an electronic ankle monitor for bribery and illegal influence.
The arrangements of his sentence are to be finalized in the coming weeks and Sarkozy has not yet been fitted with the electronic tag.
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