Prosecuting ex-presidents for corruption: Not always great for democracy Mar 17, 2021 11:26 AM PHT Victor MenaldoJames D. LongMorgan WackThe Conversation Former presidents are being investigated, prosecuted, and even jailed worldwide. In Bolivia, ex-President Jeanine Áñez was arrested on terrorism, conspiracy, and sedition charges on March 13. A week before, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to prison for corruption and influence peddling. At first glance, prosecuting current or past top officials accused of illegal conduct seems like an obvious decision for a democracy: everyone should be held accountable and subject to the rule of law. Destabilizing prosecutions But presidents and prime ministers aren’t just anyone.