🔗 Share this article

Nicolas Sarkozy will soon publish a personal account next month titled Diary of a Prisoner, detailing his time spent behind bars.

The announcement was made shortly following the former president left prison as he appeals the court ruling related to unlawful coordination connected to efforts to obtain election campaign funds provided by the leadership of former Libyan leader.

Time in Custody: Inner Thoughts

“Inside jail visibility is limited, and nothing to do,” he reflects in one passage, suggesting the memoir centers around his reflections from seclusion as opposed to extensive analysis regarding the strained and crisis-hit correctional facilities in the country.

“Silence escapes me, not present at the prison, where there is a lot to hear,” he states. “The racket is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world grows stronger while incarcerated.”

Freedom Plea: Describing the Ordeal

During his plea for freedom, the former leader participated via screen from inside the facility, characterizing his incarceration as gruelling. He had told the court: “I wish to commend the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, easing this nightmare tolerable – as it truly is one.”

“I didn’t expect at this stage of life, I’d be in prison. It’s a hardship forced upon me. I admit it’s difficult, it’s very hard. It has an impact every inmate because it’s gruelling.”

Historical Context

Sarkozy, who led the nation between 2007 and 2012, was the first former head from the EU and the first leader since WWII of France to serve time in prison.

Prior to imprisonment he declared he would use his time to write a book.

Cell Library

It remains unclear whether he had time to read and critique the texts he brought with him: a two-volume biography of Jesus plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, a plot where a blameless person is sentenced to jail then breaks out to seek vengeance.

Prison Conditions

He was placed in isolation to protect him in a cell of about nine sq metres with his own shower and toilet at La Santé prison in Paris. Two bodyguards occupied an adjacent room.

It was stated that he consumed just yogurt while inside worried that any food might have been spat on. Although he had access for self-catering but refused this, according to reports. Unclear remains if he will detail his dietary choices.

Lawyer’s Statements

Sarkozy’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain each day throughout the jail term, informed the court security would be better out of prison compared to inside. “He received threats against his life, has heard screaming at night and the urgent intervention in a neighbouring cell during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Charges and Sentence

He entered custody in late October after a Paris court gave him five years in prison on conspiracy charges related to a plan to acquire election financing for his 2007 presidential race.

He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the verdict, with a new trial planned for the coming spring.