Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has become the target of death threats in prison, just one day after beginning a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy.A video circulating online, apparently recorded by one of the inmates, shows verbal threats directed at Sarkozy as he arrived at La Santé prison in Paris.

According to Reuters, the Paris prosecutor’s office was informed of the video the day before. As part of the investigation, three inmates were questioned, and two mobile phones were seized during a prison search.

Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was imprisoned on Tuesday after being found guilty of agreeing to raise funds for his Libyan election campaign.

The threats came to light when it was announced that two permanent police officers would be assigned as bodyguards for the former president, stationed in adjacent cells to ensure his safety throughout the prison term. This measure sparked protests among unions. Hugo Vitrin, head of the local branch of the La Santé prison guards and Force Ouvrière union, stated that they were not informed about Sarkozy’s security arrangements.

“We have contacted the prison administration and the Ministry of Justice to demand an explanation,” he added.

However, France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told Europe 1 radio that Sarkozy is entitled to protection “due to his status.”

“It is obvious that his life is at risk, and that protection will continue for as long as he is in custody,” he said.