Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was targeted by death threats from an inmate at Paris’s La Sante prison, where he began serving his sentence this week, according to the Paris prosecutor's office.

The video, filmed by an inmate and circulated on social media, threatened violence against Sarkozy upon his arrival at the facility.

The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that three inmates were questioned during the investigation and two mobile phones were seized.

This move has prompted a probe into the incident, with concerns over potential security breaches within the prison environment.

Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, is currently serving a five-year sentence after being convicted of conspiring to raise campaign funds from Libya.

In light of these threats, Sarkozy has been assigned two armed police officers for protection during his incarceration.

Prison guard unions have since raised complaints over the added security measures.

The situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding prison safety and security protocols in France, particularly as high-profile individuals are incarcerated.