Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was released from La Santé prison in Paris on Monday after serving three weeks of a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy.
The 70-year-old centre-right leader, convicted for his role in securing illegal funding from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi for his 2007 election campaign, left the facility just before 15:00 local time.
His car arrived at his home in western Paris shortly afterward.
A court granted the early release under strict judicial supervision, determining he posed no flight risk.
Sarkozy is barred from leaving France and prohibited from contacting witnesses in the Libyan dossier or justice ministry employees, including Minister Gérald Darmanin.
He may be required to wear an electronic tag while at home.
The appeal trial is scheduled for March next year.
Sarkozy's lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, described the release as a step forward and confirmed preparations for the appeal.
During a video link court appearance, Sarkozy called his solitary confinement gruelling and a nightmare.
He insisted he never sought money from Gaddafi and would never admit to something he did not do.
Held in the isolation wing with basic amenities including a toilet, shower, desk, small hob, TV, and fridge, he had one hour daily for solitary exercise.
Two bodyguards occupied nearby cells due to security threats.
Upon release, Sarkozy posted on social media that his energy is focused solely on proving his innocence.
He stated the truth will prevail and the end of the story is yet to be written.
Sarkozy, president from 2007 to 2012, is the first former French leader imprisoned since 1945.
He faces ongoing inquiries, including a separate witness tampering case.