<h1>Former president convicted for criminal conspiracy over Libya-linked 2007 campaign financing, sentenced to five years in prison</h1> A Paris court convicted a former president of criminal conspiracy over a plot to secure 2007 campaign financing from Libya and sentenced the defendant to five years' imprisonment, ruling incarceration will begin at an unspecified date despite an intended appeal; the court found a corrupt scheme prepared while the defendant served as interior minister and said the conduct risked undermining public trust, though it acquitted on several other charges. Two close associates were also convicted and given prison terms (one eligible for electronic monitoring). The court concluded illicit contacts with Libyan officials formed a 'corruption pact,' and held that a corrupt scheme can be criminal without proof funds were paid; a co-defendant died during proceedings.