PARIS (Reuters) -Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in jail on Thursday after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy in a case related to efforts to obtain millions of euros of campaign financing from Libya during the rule of Muammar Gaddafi.

Sarkozy, who is still an influential behind-the-scenes player amongst conservatives in French politics, will go to jail irrespective of any appeals process.

It is the third time Sarkozy has been convicted of fraud-related charges.

Below are the legal challenges Sarkozy has faced:

LIBYAN CAMPAIGN CASH

Prosecutors had alleged Gaddafi sent Sarkozy’s successful 2007 campaign millions of euros in cash, allegations that were first made by one of Gaddafi’s sons.

Five months after Sarkozy was elected president, Gaddaf

See Full Page