Ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy: Case against me 'political'

Ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy has said the French justice system is being used for "political ends" after he was placed under formal investigation for influence peddling, the BBC reported.

In a TV interview, Mr Sarkozy denied committing any unlawful act.

He said the "grotesque" case against him was designed to humiliate, and harm his reputation.

It is alleged Mr Sarkozy sought insider information from a judge about an inquiry into illegal campaign funding.

Mr Sarkozy was detained on Tuesday for questioning - the first time a former French head of state has been held in police custody.

He is hoping to challenge again for the presidency in 2017 and the allegations are seen as a blow to his hopes of returning to office.

The interview with the ex-president, which was recorded for TF1 television and Europe 1 radio, was broadcast on Wednesday evening.

In it Mr Sarkozy said: "The situation is sufficiently serious to tell the French people where we stand on the political exploitation of part of the legal system today.

"I say to all those who are listening or watching that I have never betrayed them and have never committed an act against the Republic's principles and the rule of law."

Mr Sarkozy said he was "deeply shocked" by the investigation, and he accused the Syndicat de la Magistrature trade union of seeking to destroy him.

"Everything is being done to give me a reputation that is not true," he said.

Mr Sarkozy added: "In our country, which is the country of human rights and the rule of law, there are things that are being organised.

"The French need to know what they are and, in conscience and freedom, judge what to make of it."

He also expressed his anger at the way he was summoned, saying there "was an intention to humiliate" him with the formal detention.