"Sarkozy Threatens Action Over Voodoo Doll"

Nicolas Sarkozy has threatened to sue a publishing company if it does not withdraw from shops a "voodoo doll" in his image.

The doll comes with pins and instructions on how to put the evil eye on the French president, reports the BBC.

Mr Sarkozy's lawyer said the president had the "exclusive and absolute rights" over his own image.

Publishers K&B have issued 20,000 editions of the kit and also produced a similar doll of Mr Sarkozy's socialist rival, Segolene Royal.

Her lawyer said she too was considering legal action, calling the doll an affront to her human dignity.

The publisher said Mr Sarkozy's reaction was "totally disproportionate" and has so far refused to pull the doll from shops.

The Sarkozy doll includes some of his quotes including "work more to earn more" and "get lost, jerk" - which he reportedly said to a bystander who refused to shake his hand at an event last year.