Key Highlights
- Bulgarian officials and political figures are considering steps to help French ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy’s release from prison.
- Sarkozy was instrumental in the liberation of Bulgarian nurses held captive by Libya in 2007.
- The initiative is framed as a “singularity” to thank Sarkozy for his past actions, despite his current legal troubles.
Background on the Case
In 2007, five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor were sentenced to death in Libya for allegedly infecting children with HIV. Their case garnered international attention, with then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy playing a significant role in their eventual release. The intervention included sending France’s presidential aircraft to rescue the individuals from Libyan custody.
Current Context and Political Response
Fast forward to 2025, when Sarkozy himself is facing legal challenges in France, having been imprisoned since October 21 for alleged involvement in the financing of his 2007 presidential campaign by Libyan entities. Despite the passage of time, the Bulgarian response remains one of gratitude towards the former French leader.
Former President Petar Stoïanov, who served from 1997 to 2002, expressed readiness to support Sarkozy’s release, stating that his actions in 2007 were not just a matter for him but also for his late wife Cécilia Attias. Stoïanov declared, “This summer we celebrated the 18th anniversary of the rescue of Bulgarian nurses and we are grateful to French President Nicolas Sarkozy for what he did.”
His successor, Gueorgui Parvanov, decorated Sarkozy with Bulgaria’s highest award, the Stara Planina Medal. Parvanov indicated his willingness to sign a letter or petition supporting Sarkozy’s release.
Support from Former Officials and Legal Figures
Multiple high-ranking officials from that era, including former prosecutor Boris Veltchev, are reportedly ready to join the initiative. The five Bulgarian nurses involved in the original case and the Palestinian doctor have also expressed their intention to support Sarkozy’s release, framing it as a “unique operation” called “We must save our savior.”
A key figure behind this effort is Gueorgui Milkov, who covered the legal saga of the Bulgarian nurses in Libya. He noted that Cécilia Attias took a personal interest in the matter and was planning to publicly support it soon.
Implications for International Relations
The case highlights complex international relations where past actions can influence present-day diplomatic and political decisions. While Bulgaria’s stance is motivated by gratitude, it also reflects on the broader implications of cross-border cooperation in legal matters and the potential for such cases to impact bilateral relationships.
Despite the irony that Sarkozy faces imprisonment for actions related to his time as president, the Bulgarian response underscores a significant shift in how nations and former leaders can navigate ongoing legal challenges through historical goodwill. This incident serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of diplomatic bonds and the potential for past actions to influence future interactions between countries.
