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The ex-president of France plans a book in the coming weeks titled Diary of a Prisoner, detailing the period endured in custody.

The revelation came less than two weeks following Sarkozy left prison as his appeal proceeds the guilty verdict related to criminal conspiracy in a case to acquire political financing provided by the regime of the late Libyan dictator.

Time in Custody: Personal Reflections

“In prison visibility is limited, and nothing to do,” he notes in one passage, suggesting the book will focus on his thoughts during seclusion as opposed to a broader observation on the packed and troubled French prison system.

“Quiet is absent, which doesn’t exist in that facility, where noise is endless commotion,” he continues. “The noise persists relentlessly. However, akin to empty spaces, one’s inner world is fortified behind bars.”

Release Hearing: Recounting the Hardship

During his plea for freedom, Sarkozy was present by video link from his cell, characterizing his incarceration as gruelling. He had told the court: “I wish to commend the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, and who helped make this ordeal bearable – as it truly is one.”

“I didn’t expect at this stage of life, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a hardship I must endure. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It leaves a mark every inmate because it’s gruelling.”

Historical Context

He, who served as France’s president for a five-year term, set a precedent as ex-leader in the European Union and the first postwar leader of France to experience jail.

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

Reading Material

It is not certain whether he had time to read and critique the three books he had in his cell: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, in which a blameless person is sentenced to jail then breaks out to exact retribution.

Life in Confinement

Sarkozy was placed in isolation to protect him in a cell roughly 100 square feet including private facilities at La Santé prison located in the capital. Security personnel were stationed in an adjacent room.

Sources mentioned his diet consisted solely dairy snacks during his stay due to concerns meals provided may have been contaminated. Options were available for self-catering but he turned this down, based on unnamed sources. Not known is if the memoir includes his dietary choices.

Lawyer’s Statements

His attorney, Christophe Ingrain each day during the incarceration, informed the court he would be safer out of prison compared to inside. “There were death threats, listened to yells after dark and the urgent intervention next door during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Legal Proceedings

He entered custody on 21 October after the judiciary gave him a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy related to a plan to obtain political donations for his presidential bid.

He disputes the charges and has appealed against the verdict, and another court case is scheduled for the coming spring.