The Former French President Preparing to Release Jail Diary Chronicling Three Weeks Behind Bars

Nicolas Sarkozy plans a memoir next month named A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts his time spent behind bars.

This news emerged shortly following the ex-leader was released while he contests his conviction related to unlawful coordination regarding a scheme to secure presidential race money linked to the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.

Time in Custody: Personal Reflections

“Inside jail one sees little, and nothing to do,” he reflects in an extract, suggesting the account centers around his reflections while in seclusion as opposed to extensive analysis regarding the overcrowded and struggling French prison system.

“I forget silence, which doesn’t exist in La Santé, where one hears a lot to hear,” he states. “The racket unfortunately never stops. But, just like the desert, one’s inner world is strengthened in prison.”

Court Appearance: Sharing the Struggle

During his plea for freedom, he had appeared remotely from his cell, characterizing his incarceration as gruelling. He had told the court: “I want to pay tribute those working in the jail, displaying remarkable compassion, easing this nightmare manageable – because it is a nightmare.”

“I never imagined that at 70 years of age, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a trial I must endure. I confess it’s hard, extremely tough. It leaves a mark all who experience it as it’s exhausting.”

First of Its Kind

Sarkozy, the ex-head of state for a five-year term, was the first former head from the EU and the initial post-WWII figure in the French Republic to experience jail.

Before entering jail he had said he would use his time to write a book.

Books in Prison

It remains unclear whether he had time to read and critique the three books he had in his cell: a life story of Jesus spanning two books and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the famous story, a plot where a wrongfully accused individual is imprisoned then breaks out to exact retribution.

Daily Reality

The former leader was held secluded to protect him in a space roughly 100 square feet with his own shower and toilet at La Santé prison in the city. Security personnel were stationed in a neighbouring cell.

Reports indicated his diet consisted only yoghurts in prison worried that prison cuisine could have been tampered with. Although he had access to cook for himself but he turned this down, as per accounts. Not known is if he will detail his dietary choices.

Legal Perspective

Sarkozy’s lawyer, who saw him regularly daily during the incarceration, stated during proceedings his safety would improve outside jail compared to inside. “He has faced threats against his life, listened to yells at night and the urgent intervention in a neighbouring cell as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Charges and Sentence

Sarkozy went to prison last month after a Paris court sentenced him to a five-year sentence on conspiracy charges related to a plan to obtain election financing during his election campaign.

He maintains his innocence and is contesting the ruling, with a new trial planned for next spring.