BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has appeared in court, to respond to allegations that he illegally accepted donations from 's richest woman to fund his 2007 election campaign.

The judge in Bordeaux will decide whether the 57-year-old will be charged with taking advantage of the 90-year-old L’Oreal heiress, Liliane Bettencourt. Sarkozy has consistently denied all allegations. Bettencourt’s former accountant told police that she handed over 150,000 euros in cash, which she was told would be passed on to Sarkozy’s campaign treasurer.

In July, a magistrate ordered the seizure of Sarkozy’s diaries. French law limits donations to parties to 7,500 euros per person per year, with only 150 euros given in cash.

Sarkozy’s lawyer says that after Thursday’s hearing, Sarkozy could either face preliminary charges, or be given special witness status with the possibility of facing charges later.

(Source: CNTV.cn)