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Nicolas Sarkozy is preparing a personal account in the coming weeks named Diary of a Prisoner, detailing his experience served behind bars.

The announcement came less than two weeks following the former president gained freedom while he appeals his conviction on charges of unlawful coordination in a case to acquire presidential race money provided by the leadership of Muammar Gaddafi.

Time in Custody: Personal Reflections

“Inside jail one sees little, with little to occupy time,” he reflects in an extract, suggesting the book centers around his reflections while in solitary confinement as opposed to wider commentary on the packed and crisis-hit jail system in France.

“Quiet is absent, which is missing in La Santé, where noise is constant sound,” he states. “The din unfortunately never stops. But, just like the desert, one’s inner world is fortified behind bars.”

Freedom Plea: Sharing the Struggle

During his plea for freedom, he had appeared via screen from inside the facility, characterizing his incarceration as draining. He had told the court: “I must acknowledge those working in the jail, showing great humanity, and who helped make this difficult experience manageable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“It never crossed my mind that at 70 years of age, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s an ordeal forced upon me. I admit it’s difficult, it’s very hard. It has an impact on any prisoner as it’s exhausting.”

Historical Context

He, who led the nation for a five-year term, became the inaugural former head from the EU and the initial post-WWII figure in the French Republic to experience jail.

Ahead of his incarceration he mentioned he intended to spend the period to write a book.

Books in Prison

It is not certain if he found the opportunity to read and critique the texts he brought with him: a two-volume biography of Jesus together with Dumas’s work the classic tale, where a blameless person ends up incarcerated later flees to exact retribution.

Prison Conditions

The former leader was held in isolation to protect him in a cell of about nine sq metres featuring a personal bathroom at La Santé prison in the city. Two bodyguards occupied a neighbouring cell.

It was stated his diet consisted only yoghurts during his stay because he feared prison cuisine might have been spat on. Options were available to cook for himself but refused this, as per accounts. It is uncertain if the memoir includes meals during incarceration.

Lawyer’s Statements

Sarkozy’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain every day while he was in prison, informed the court his safety would improve released than inside. “He has faced death threats, heard shouts at night and emergency responses in a neighbouring cell when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Case Background

His incarceration began in late October when a French court imposed five years in prison for illegal collaboration in connection with efforts to secure campaign funds during his election campaign.

He disputes the charges challenging the decision, and a fresh trial set for the coming spring.