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Nicolas Sarkozy plans a personal account this autumn named Diary of a Prisoner, which recounts the period served in custody.

This news was made shortly after the ex-leader was released as his appeal proceeds his conviction related to criminal conspiracy connected to efforts to acquire election campaign funds from the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.

Time in Custody: Solitary Musings

“Inside jail there is nothing to see, and nothing to do,” he notes in an extract, implying the account will focus on his thoughts while in seclusion instead of a broader observation regarding the packed and struggling correctional facilities in the country.

“Silence escapes me, which is missing in that facility, where noise is a lot to hear,” he states. “The noise unfortunately never stops. Yet, similar to barren lands, inner life is fortified while incarcerated.”

Freedom Plea: Describing the Ordeal

During his plea for freedom, the former leader was present via screen from a room in prison, describing his time inside as draining. He stated to the judge: “I wish to commend those working in the jail, displaying remarkable compassion, and who helped make this nightmare bearable – as it truly is one.”

“I didn’t expect at this stage of life, I would end up incarcerated. It’s an ordeal that has been imposed on me. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It leaves a mark on any prisoner as it’s exhausting.”

Historical Context

He, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, became the inaugural past president from the EU and the first leader since WWII in the French Republic to serve time in prison.

Ahead of his incarceration he declared he intended to spend the period to compose an account.

Cell Library

It is not certain whether he had time to review and analyze the texts he brought with him: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo, in which a wrongfully accused individual is imprisoned but escapes to seek vengeance.

Daily Reality

Sarkozy remained secluded to protect him in a cell roughly 100 square feet featuring a personal bathroom at La Santé prison in the city. Security personnel stayed in the next cell.

Reports indicated that he consumed just yogurt in prison worried that meals provided might have been spat on. Options were available to prepare his own meals but refused this, according to reports. Not known is whether Sarkozy will write about his dietary choices.

Defense Viewpoint

Sarkozy’s lawyer, who saw him regularly each day throughout the jail term, stated during proceedings he would be safer released compared to inside. “He received death threats, heard shouts after dark plus rapid actions in a neighbouring cell as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Case Background

His incarceration began on 21 October after a French court sentenced him to a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy related to a plan to obtain election financing during his election campaign.

He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the verdict, with a new trial is scheduled for early next year.