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The ex-president of France will soon publish a memoir this autumn called A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts his time endured in custody.

This news emerged less than two weeks after Sarkozy gained freedom as he contests the court ruling for illegal collaboration regarding a scheme to acquire election campaign funds provided by the regime of former Libyan leader.

Time in Custody: Solitary Musings

“Behind bars one sees little, and nothing to do,” he reflects in a preview, implying the book will focus on his reflections while in isolation as opposed to a broader observation regarding the overcrowded and troubled jail system in France.

“I forget silence, not present in La Santé, where noise is endless commotion,” he states. “The racket unfortunately never stops. However, akin to empty spaces, one’s inner world is strengthened while incarcerated.”

Release Hearing: Describing the Ordeal

During his plea for freedom, the former leader participated by video link from inside the facility, characterizing his incarceration as draining. He stated to the judge: “I want to pay tribute to all the prison staff, showing great humanity, and who have made this nightmare manageable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“It never crossed my mind that in my seventies, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s an ordeal I must endure. I confess it’s hard, extremely tough. It affects one all who experience it due to its intensity.”

Unprecedented Situation

Sarkozy, who led the nation for a five-year term, was the first past president in the European Union and the initial post-WWII figure from France to be incarcerated.

Before entering jail he mentioned he intended to spend the period to write a book.

Books in Prison

It remains unclear did he manage to review and analyze the texts he took into prison: a life story of Jesus spanning two books and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the famous story, where an innocent man is imprisoned but escapes to exact retribution.

Prison Conditions

The former leader remained secluded due to safety concerns in a space approximately nine square meters including private facilities at La Santé prison located in the capital. Security personnel occupied the next cell.

Reports indicated that he consumed solely dairy snacks during his stay because he feared meals provided might have been spat on. Options were available to prepare his own meals yet he declined, as per accounts. Not known is if he will detail his dietary choices.

Legal Perspective

Sarkozy’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain each day during the incarceration, informed the court his safety would improve outside jail rather than in custody. “He has faced threats against his life, heard shouts at night and the urgent intervention in a neighbouring cell during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Charges and Sentence

Sarkozy went to prison on 21 October after a French court sentenced him to five years in prison on conspiracy charges related to a plan to obtain campaign funds for his 2007 presidential race.

He disputes the charges challenging the decision, and another court case set for the coming spring.