🔗 Share this article The Former French President Set to Write Jail Diary Chronicling Two Dozen Days Incarcerated Nicolas Sarkozy plans a personal account next month titled A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts the period endured in custody. The revelation came shortly following the former president left prison as he appeals the court ruling on charges of criminal conspiracy connected to efforts to acquire presidential race money from the government of the late Libyan dictator. Time in Custody: Personal Reflections “Behind bars there is nothing to see, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in one passage, implying the book will focus on his musings from isolation as opposed to a broader observation regarding the strained and crisis-hit jail system in France. “Silence escapes me, which doesn’t exist at the prison, where noise is constant sound,” he adds. “The noise persists relentlessly. Yet, similar to barren lands, inner life is strengthened behind bars.” Release Hearing: Describing the Ordeal At his release request hearing, he was present remotely from his cell, characterizing his incarceration as gruelling. He stated to the judge: “I want to pay tribute those working in the jail, displaying remarkable compassion, and who helped make this ordeal manageable – as it truly is one.” “I never imagined that in my seventies, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s a trial I must endure. I confess it’s hard, it’s very hard. It affects one every inmate due to its intensity.” Historical Context He, who led the nation for a five-year term, became the inaugural former head in the European Union and the first leader since WWII of France to be incarcerated. Prior to imprisonment he declared he would use his time to compose an account. Reading Material It is not certain if he found the opportunity to read and critique the three books he had in his cell: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, in which a wrongfully accused individual is imprisoned but escapes to seek vengeance. Daily Reality He was held secluded for his own security in a room roughly 100 square feet including private facilities at La Santé prison located in the capital. Two bodyguards stayed in the next cell. Reports indicated that he had eaten solely dairy snacks during his stay because he feared any food could have been tampered with. Options were available for self-catering but refused this, according to reports. Not known is if the memoir includes what he ate in prison. Defense Viewpoint Sarkozy’s lawyer, who visited his client daily while he was in prison, informed the court he would be safer released rather than in custody. “He received menacing messages, listened to yells at night plus rapid actions in a neighbouring cell when a prisoner self-harmed.” Case Background He entered custody in late October when the judiciary imposed a five-year sentence on conspiracy charges in connection with efforts to secure political donations for his 2007 presidential race. He disputes the charges challenging the decision, and another court case is scheduled for next spring.