Sarkozy says justice system in France trying to 'humiliate,' 'destroy' him

PARIS — Former President Nicolas Sarkozy has accused France's justice system of trying to “humiliate” and “destroy” him with charges from a corruption probe that could spell trouble for his political ambitions.

The former conservative party leader fought back in a broadcast interview on Wednesday, just hours after his release from questioning over a highly publicized investigation into judicial allegations that he took 50 million euros ($67 million) in illegal campaign funds from Libya's Moammar Gadhafi.

The detention — a very unusual move for such a high-level figure — has dominated French news broadcasts and occurs as his faltering UMP political party has floated a possible comeback by the hard-driving 59-year-old.

Sarkozy, who spent nearly a day in custody on Tuesday answering questions about his 2007 presidential campaign, said on TF1 TV and Europe-1 radio that he was “profoundly shocked” over his 16-hour detention.

“A part of the justice system is being used for political purposes,” he said, warning of an unspecified plot.