🔗 Share this article Nicolas Sarkozy Set to Write Prison Memoir Documenting His 20 Days In Custody The ex-president of France will soon publish a book this autumn named A Prisoner’s Diary, chronicling his experience served in custody. This news emerged just 11 days after the ex-leader was released while his appeal proceeds his conviction for criminal conspiracy in a case to obtain political financing provided by the leadership of the late Libyan dictator. Life Behind Bars: Solitary Musings “Inside jail there is nothing to see, and activities are scarce,” he writes in one passage, implying the book is more about his reflections while in isolation as opposed to extensive analysis regarding the packed and troubled correctional facilities in the country. “Quiet is absent, not present in La Santé, where there is constant sound,” he adds. “The din persists relentlessly. However, akin to empty spaces, personal reflection is fortified while incarcerated.” Freedom Plea: Recounting the Hardship At his release request hearing, he was present via screen from a room in prison, depicting prison life as draining. He expressed in court: “I want to pay tribute those working in the jail, displaying remarkable compassion, and who helped make this nightmare tolerable – since it’s deeply troubling.” “I never imagined that at 70 years of age, I’d be in prison. It’s a hardship forced upon me. I confess it’s hard, it’s very hard. It has an impact on any prisoner due to its intensity.” Historical Context Sarkozy, the ex-head of state for a five-year term, set a precedent as past president of an EU country and the initial post-WWII figure of France to experience jail. Prior to imprisonment he mentioned he intended to spend the period to compose an account. Books in Prison It remains unclear did he manage to read and critique the three books he had in his cell: a two-volume biography of Jesus and Alexandre Dumas’s novel The Count of Monte Cristo, where a blameless person is imprisoned later flees to take revenge. Daily Reality The former leader was held in isolation due to safety concerns in a space approximately nine square meters including private facilities at the correctional facility in the city. Guards were stationed in a neighbouring cell. Sources mentioned that he consumed only yoghurts in prison due to concerns meals provided could have been tampered with. Options were available to prepare his own meals but he turned this down, according to reports. Unclear remains if he will detail meals during incarceration. Defense Viewpoint The legal representative, who saw him regularly each day throughout the jail term, stated during proceedings security would be better out of prison compared to inside. “He received menacing messages, heard shouts during nighttime and the urgent intervention in an adjacent room during an inmate’s self-injury.” Case Background His incarceration began last month following the judiciary sentenced him to a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy in connection with efforts to acquire campaign funds during his election campaign. He maintains his innocence and is contesting the ruling, and another court case set for early next year.