For the first time in French history, a former president, Nicolas Sarkozy, has been definitively sentenced to prison.

The Court of Cassation upheld his conviction for corruption and influence peddling in the "Bismuth wiretapping" case, confirming a three-year sentence, including one year under electronic surveillance.

Sarkozy, who denies wrongdoing, plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, claiming judicial harassment and a violation of his rights.

The sentence also includes a three-year ban on voting and holding public office.

Sarkozy will soon meet with a judge to finalize the terms of his electronic monitoring, which will restrict his movements.

This unprecedented ruling marks a seismic moment in French political and judicial history.