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The ex-president of France will soon publish a personal account this autumn titled A Prisoner’s Diary, detailing his time endured in jail.

The revelation came less than two weeks after the ex-leader was released as he appeals his conviction for criminal conspiracy connected to efforts to secure election campaign funds linked to the government of Muammar Gaddafi.

Time in Custody: Solitary Musings

“Behind bars there is nothing to see, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in an extract, suggesting the account is more about his musings during isolation rather than a broader observation of the packed and crisis-hit correctional facilities in the country.

“Quiet is absent, which is missing at the prison, where there is a lot to hear,” he continues. “The noise is alas constant. However, akin to empty spaces, inner life is fortified in prison.”

Release Hearing: Recounting the Hardship

During his plea for freedom, he participated by video link from inside the facility, describing his time inside as gruelling. He expressed in court: “I want to pay tribute those working in the jail, who are exceptionally humane, and who helped make this difficult experience manageable – because it is a nightmare.”

“I didn’t expect that at 70 years of age, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a hardship I must endure. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It has an impact every inmate as it’s exhausting.”

Historical Context

Sarkozy, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, was the first former head in the European Union and the first leader since WWII of France to serve time in prison.

Ahead of his incarceration he had said he planned to utilize the opportunity to compose an account.

Cell Library

It remains unclear if he found the opportunity to read and critique the three books he brought with him: a two-volume biography of Jesus plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, in which a blameless person is sentenced to jail but escapes to seek vengeance.

Life in Confinement

He was placed secluded due to safety concerns in a space approximately nine square meters featuring a personal bathroom at the correctional facility in Paris. Two bodyguards were stationed in the next cell.

Reports indicated his diet consisted only yoghurts during his stay due to concerns prison cuisine might have been spat on. He had facilities to prepare his own meals but he turned this down, as per accounts. Not known is if the memoir includes his dietary choices.

Lawyer’s Statements

The legal representative, who visited his client daily during the incarceration, stated during proceedings security would be better out of prison than inside. “He received threats against his life, listened to yells at night and emergency responses next door when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Legal Proceedings

He entered custody last month after a French court imposed five years in prison for criminal conspiracy in connection with efforts to secure election financing for his presidential bid.

He disputes the charges and has appealed against the verdict, and a fresh trial is scheduled for next spring.