France's Sarkozy says prison a 'nightmare' as prosecutors seek his release

Paris: Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday called his imprisonment a nightmare as prosecutors requested the former French president be released from jail pend...

Paris: Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday called his imprisonment a "nightmare" as prosecutors requested the former French president be released from jail pending an appeals trial over Libyan funding.

A lower court in September found the right-winger -- who was head of state from 2007 to 2012 -- guilty of seeking to acquire funding and sentenced him to five years behind bars.

The 70-year-old entered jail on October 21, becoming the first former head of a European Union state to be incarcerated, and his lawyers swiftly sought his release.

The Paris Appeals Court opened the hearing on Monday, and was expected to make a decision during the day that could see Sarkozy released immediately.

The former leader appeared via video call from prison, wearing a dark blue jacket and flanked by lawyers, saying being incarcerated was "gruelling".