The Former French President to Pen Prison Memoir Detailing His 20 Days Incarcerated

Nicolas Sarkozy will soon publish a personal account this autumn titled Diary of a Prisoner, detailing his experience served in jail.

This news emerged less than two weeks following Sarkozy was released while he appeals the court ruling on charges of criminal conspiracy in a case to secure election campaign funds linked to the government of Muammar Gaddafi.

Time in Custody: Inner Thoughts

“Inside jail visibility is limited, with little to occupy time,” he reflects in an extract, implying the book will focus on his thoughts while in solitary confinement instead of wider commentary regarding the overcrowded and struggling correctional facilities in the country.

“Quiet is absent, not present at the prison, where one hears a lot to hear,” he continues. “The noise persists relentlessly. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world grows stronger in prison.”

Court Appearance: Describing the Ordeal

While appealing for release, he was present via screen from inside the facility, describing his time inside as gruelling. He had told the court: “I want to pay tribute the correctional officers, who are exceptionally humane, easing this nightmare tolerable – as it truly is one.”

“It never crossed my mind that at 70 years of age, I’d be in prison. It’s a hardship that has been imposed on me. I confess it’s hard, extremely tough. It leaves a mark on any prisoner because it’s gruelling.”

Historical Context

Sarkozy, the ex-head of state between 2007 and 2012, was the first former head of an EU country and the initial post-WWII figure from France to experience jail.

Ahead of his incarceration he declared he would use his time to compose an account.

Reading Material

It is not certain if he found the opportunity to review and analyze the volumes he had in his cell: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, in which an innocent man is imprisoned but escapes to exact retribution.

Prison Conditions

Sarkozy was placed in isolation to protect him in a cell roughly 100 square feet including private facilities at the correctional facility located in the capital. Guards occupied an adjacent room.

It was stated his diet consisted just yogurt in prison due to concerns any food may have been contaminated. Although he had access to cook for himself but he turned this down, based on unnamed sources. Unclear remains if the memoir includes meals during incarceration.

Defense Viewpoint

His attorney, Christophe Ingrain daily while he was in prison, stated during proceedings he would be safer out of prison compared to inside. “He has faced death threats, has heard screaming after dark plus rapid actions next door during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Charges and Sentence

He entered custody last month following a French court imposed a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy over a scheme to secure political donations during his election campaign.

He disputes the charges challenging the decision, with a new trial planned for early next year.