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Nicolas Sarkozy will soon publish a personal account in the coming weeks named Diary of a Prisoner, chronicling the period spent in jail.

The revelation was made less than two weeks following Sarkozy left prison as he appeals the guilty verdict related to illegal collaboration regarding a scheme to acquire political financing linked to the regime of former Libyan leader.

Life Behind Bars: Solitary Musings

“In prison one sees little, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in a preview, indicating the book will focus on his musings during isolation instead of a broader observation on the overcrowded and troubled jail system in France.

“I forget silence, which is missing at the prison, where there is a lot to hear,” he continues. “The din is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world is fortified in prison.”

Release Hearing: Describing the Ordeal

While appealing for release, he was present by video link from inside the facility, characterizing his incarceration as gruelling. He had told the court: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, and who have made this nightmare manageable – as it truly is one.”

“It never crossed my mind at this stage of life, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s a trial I must endure. It’s challenging, I acknowledge, extremely tough. It affects one on any prisoner due to its intensity.”

First of Its Kind

The former president, the ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012, was the first former head in the European Union and the initial post-WWII figure in the French Republic to be incarcerated.

Prior to imprisonment he mentioned he would use his time to compose an account.

Books in Prison

It remains unclear whether he had time to read and critique the three books he had in his cell: a two-volume biography of Jesus and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the famous story, a plot where a blameless person is imprisoned but escapes to seek vengeance.

Prison Conditions

The former leader was placed in isolation to protect him in a space of about nine sq metres with his own shower and toilet at the correctional facility located in the capital. Two bodyguards occupied a neighbouring cell.

Reports indicated that he had eaten just yogurt while inside worried that meals provided could have been tampered with. Although he had access to prepare his own meals yet he declined, based on unnamed sources. Unclear remains if he will detail his dietary choices.

Defense Viewpoint

Sarkozy’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain each day throughout the jail term, informed the court he would be safer out of prison than inside. “He received threats against his life, heard shouts after dark and the urgent intervention in an adjacent room as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Case Background

Sarkozy went to prison on 21 October following a Paris court imposed five years in prison for criminal conspiracy in connection with efforts to secure election financing during his election campaign.

He maintains his innocence challenging the decision, and another court case set for early next year.