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The ex-president of France plans a memoir next month titled A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts his experience served behind bars.

This news came less than two weeks after Sarkozy left prison while his appeal proceeds the guilty verdict for unlawful coordination in a case to secure presidential race money provided by the leadership of Muammar Gaddafi.

Prison Experience: Solitary Musings

“In prison one sees little, with little to occupy time,” he reflects in a preview, suggesting the book will focus on his reflections during isolation rather than a broader observation regarding the overcrowded and troubled correctional facilities in the country.

“Silence escapes me, not present in that facility, where noise is constant sound,” he adds. “The noise is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, inner life is strengthened while incarcerated.”

Release Hearing: Recounting the Hardship

During his plea for freedom, Sarkozy had appeared via screen from his cell, describing his time inside as draining. He stated to the judge: “I must acknowledge to all the prison staff, displaying remarkable compassion, and who helped make this difficult experience bearable – because it is a nightmare.”

“It never crossed my mind at this stage of life, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a trial that has been imposed on me. I confess it’s hard, it’s very hard. It leaves a mark on any prisoner as it’s exhausting.”

Unprecedented Situation

The former president, who led the nation from 2007 to 2012, was the first past president from the EU and the initial post-WWII figure of France to be incarcerated.

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

Cell Library

Unconfirmed is did he manage to go through the three books he brought with him: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, where a blameless person is imprisoned later flees to exact retribution.

Life in Confinement

Sarkozy was held in solitary confinement due to safety concerns in a space of about nine sq metres including private facilities at the correctional facility in Paris. Two bodyguards stayed in a neighbouring cell.

Sources mentioned that he consumed solely dairy snacks in prison worried that prison cuisine may have been contaminated. He had facilities to prepare his own meals but he turned this down, according to reports. It is uncertain whether Sarkozy will write about what he ate in prison.

Legal Perspective

The legal representative, who visited his client each day during the incarceration, informed the court his safety would improve released compared to inside. “He has faced threats against his life, listened to yells at night and emergency responses in an adjacent room as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Case Background

He entered custody on 21 October after the judiciary sentenced him to a five-year sentence for illegal collaboration over a scheme to obtain campaign funds for his presidential bid.

He denies wrongdoing and is contesting the ruling, with a new trial is scheduled for early next year.