Nicolas Sarkozy Preparing to Release Jail Diary Chronicling Three Weeks Incarcerated

The ex-president of France will soon publish a memoir next month named A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts his experience endured in jail.

This news came just 11 days after the former president gained freedom while he contests his conviction related to criminal conspiracy connected to efforts to acquire political financing provided by the government of former Libyan leader.

Life Behind Bars: Personal Reflections

“In prison one sees little, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in a preview, suggesting the account will focus on his musings during seclusion instead of extensive analysis on the packed and crisis-hit French prison system.

“Quiet is absent, which doesn’t exist in La Santé, where noise is a lot to hear,” he continues. “The din unfortunately never stops. However, akin to empty spaces, inner life is strengthened while incarcerated.”

Release Hearing: Recounting the Hardship

During his plea for freedom, Sarkozy had appeared remotely from a room in prison, characterizing his incarceration as gruelling. He had told the court: “I wish to commend the correctional officers, who are exceptionally humane, and who have made this nightmare tolerable – as it truly is one.”

“I never imagined that at 70 years of age, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a hardship I must endure. It’s challenging, I acknowledge, it’s very hard. It leaves a mark all who experience it due to its intensity.”

First of Its Kind

The former president, the ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012, was the first former head from the EU and the initial post-WWII figure in the French Republic to serve time in prison.

Prior to imprisonment he mentioned he intended to spend the period to write a book.

Cell Library

It remains unclear if he found the opportunity to review and analyze the three books he brought with him: a two-volume biography of Jesus plus the novel by Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo, in which a blameless person is imprisoned later flees to take revenge.

Life in Confinement

He remained secluded due to safety concerns in a cell approximately nine square meters featuring a personal bathroom at La Santé prison located in the capital. Security personnel were stationed in an adjacent room.

It was stated his diet consisted just yogurt during his stay due to concerns meals provided may have been contaminated. Options were available to cook for himself but he turned this down, as per accounts. Not known is if the memoir includes his dietary choices.

Legal Perspective

Sarkozy’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain every day while he was in prison, informed the court security would be better out of prison compared to inside. “There were threats against his life, listened to yells after dark and emergency responses next door as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Case Background

His incarceration began last month when a French court imposed five years in prison on conspiracy charges in connection with efforts to obtain election financing during his election campaign.

He disputes the charges challenging the decision, and a fresh trial planned for early next year.