BORDEAUX, Nov 23: Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has escaped indictment but will continue to be investigated over allegations that his 2007 election campaign was financed with funds secured illegally from the country’s richest woman.

After more than 12 hours of interrogation, a panel of three examining magistrates decided late on Thursday to treat Mr Sarkozy as a witness under caution rather than formally charging him.

The decision will allow the former leader to retain hope he will eventually be exonerated of accusations he denies. But it also means the magistrates believe there are grounds for further investigation, a stance that deals a significant blow to Mr Sarkozy’s hopes of staging a political comeback.—AFP