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Nicolas Sarkozy will soon publish a book next month called A Prisoner’s Diary, detailing his experience endured behind bars.

The revelation emerged shortly after the former president left prison while he appeals the guilty verdict on charges of criminal conspiracy in a case to obtain political financing linked to the government of the late Libyan dictator.

Life Behind Bars: Personal Reflections

“Inside jail one sees little, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in an extract, suggesting the account will focus on his reflections while in seclusion rather than a broader observation on the packed and crisis-hit correctional facilities in the country.

“Quiet is absent, not present at the prison, where there is a lot to hear,” he continues. “The racket persists relentlessly. Yet, similar to barren lands, personal reflection is strengthened while incarcerated.”

Freedom Plea: Sharing the Struggle

At his release request hearing, he participated by video link from his cell, describing his time inside as draining. He had told the court: “I must acknowledge to all the prison staff, who are exceptionally humane, easing this difficult experience bearable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“I didn’t expect at this stage of life, I’d be in prison. It’s an ordeal that has been imposed on me. It’s challenging, I acknowledge, extremely tough. It leaves a mark all who experience it because it’s gruelling.”

Historical Context

The former president, who served as France’s president for a five-year term, was the first ex-leader from the EU and the first leader since WWII of France to experience jail.

Ahead of his incarceration he declared he would use his time to write a book.

Reading Material

It remains unclear whether he had time to read and critique the volumes he took into prison: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, in which a wrongfully accused individual is imprisoned later flees to exact retribution.

Life in Confinement

The former leader was held in isolation to protect him in a room approximately nine square meters including private facilities at La Santé prison located in the capital. Guards stayed in a neighbouring cell.

Reports indicated that he consumed only yoghurts while inside due to concerns meals provided could have been tampered with. Although he had access to prepare his own meals yet he declined, according to reports. It is uncertain if the memoir includes his dietary choices.

Legal Perspective

Sarkozy’s lawyer, who saw him regularly daily while he was in prison, stated during proceedings security would be better released compared to inside. “He received menacing messages, listened to yells during nighttime plus rapid actions in an adjacent room as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Charges and Sentence

Sarkozy went to prison on 21 October when a Paris court sentenced him to a five-year sentence for illegal collaboration over a scheme to acquire campaign funds for his 2007 presidential race.

He disputes the charges and is contesting the ruling, and another court case planned for next spring.