Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Jon Henley

From Trump to Sarkozy: the political leaders who have been prosecuted

Donald Trump in a courtroom in New York City on 4 April.
Donald Trump in a courtroom in New York City on Tuesday. Photograph: Seth Wenig/AP

Donald Trump may this week have become the first current or former president of the United States to be criminally charged, but ex-leaders in many other countries have long been investigated, prosecuted – and occasionally, yes, imprisoned.

The world’s second biggest democracy seems to have been reluctant to pursue former presidents – despite, in one instance, clear evidence of criminality – mainly for fear prosecution would destabilise and divide even further an already polarised country.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.