PARIS, March 26 - RAPSI. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has thanked all those who supported and trusted him on his Facebook page and expressed hope that "truth will prevail eventually."

"At a time when I must face up to the ordeal of an unfair and unfounded investigation, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who trusted me. To all of those who supported me, and all of those who fought against me, I want to affirm that at no point in my public life have I betrayed the duties of my office," Sarkozy wrote.

He wrote: "I will devote all of my energy to prove my probity and honesty. The truth will prevail eventually. I have no doubt about it." He also said he believes in the legal institutions of his country which are open to all citizens.

Last week Sarkozy was charged with exploiting France's richest woman, L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, who was weakened by ill health.

The suspects in the investigation, which was launched in 2007, are former Minister for Budget, Public Accounts and Civil Service Eric Woerth and, indirectly, Nicolas Sarkozy. The investigators believe that the former president may have taken advantage of Ms Bettencourt's ill health to convince her to donate up to 4 million ($5 million) in cash to his UMP party.

Ms Bettencourt is now 90. She was declared to be suffering from dementia in 2006.

If convicted, Sarkozy could face up to three years in jail, a fine of 375,000 and a five-year ban from public office.