Alexandre Djouhri testifies about Bashir Saleh’s dramatic evacuation from Libya, amidst ongoing trial relating to alleged Libyan financing of Sarkozy’s campaign. Saleh, once linked to Gaddafi’s regime, is depicted as innocent by defendants. The exfiltration involved high-level French government support, revealing complex international relationships during a turbulent period after Gaddafi’s fall.
During the ongoing trial concerning alleged Libyan financing of Nicolas Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign, Alexandre Djouhri recounts the extraordinary evacuation of his associate Bashir Saleh from Libya. Saleh, who managed Libya’s sovereign wealth fund, has been characterized by defendants as “having no blood on his hands,” even after serving as chief of staff to Muammar Gaddafi.
After the fall of Gaddafi’s regime in 2011, Djouhri facilitated a meeting between Saleh and former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin in Tunisia, aiming to secure Saleh’s safety. Following Tripoli’s collapse on August 21, 2011, Saleh was placed under house arrest. Djouhri described their relationship, stating, “I’m his friend, like his brother.”
Saleh had significant connections in France, prompting government interest in his safety. In 2008, Boris Boillon, an advisor to Sarkozy, even helped fast-track naturalization for Saleh’s wife. Saleh and his family were reportedly exfiltrated from Libya under clandestine circumstances, including suggestions of helicopter evacuation to a naval vessel or submarine.
Bernard Squarcini, the head of France’s domestic intelligence, made requests to the Paris police in 2012 to facilitate residency for Saleh and his partner, indicating the French government’s desire to keep the situation discreet.
The trial involving Sarkozy is tied to allegations that Libyan officials financed his successful election campaign in 2007. Key figures in this scenario include Bashir Saleh, the former chief of staff to Gaddafi, and Alexandre Djouhri, who facilitated Saleh’s escape from Libya. The geopolitical ramifications of Libya’s regime change and the intricate ties between French political figures and Libyan leadership highlight the complexities involved in such exfiltrations. Djouhri’s testimony illustrates how personal relationships and political interests influenced clandestine operations during a tumultuous period in Libyan history. Saleh’s purported innocence, despite his past associations, adds complexity to his portrayal amidst serious accusations against Sarkozy’s campaign funding. This narrative unfolds amid a backdrop of emerging evidence and testimonies, revealing layers of political maneuvering and highlighting broader historical impacts.
The trial surrounding Sarkozy’s alleged financial support by Libya has unveiled intricate connections between French political authorities and Libyan operatives. Djouhri’s testimony on Saleh’s dramatic exfiltration from Libya underscores the intertwining of personal and political interests during a critical juncture in history. Such revelations not only challenge perspectives on Sarkozy’s campaign financing but also emphasize the geopolitical implications of relationships formed in crisis. As proceedings continue, the outcomes could reshape the understanding of foreign influence in domestic politics and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests amid chaos.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
