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Nicolas Sarkozy plans a book this autumn named Diary of a Prisoner, chronicling his experience served in jail.

The announcement was made just 11 days following the ex-leader was released as he appeals his conviction on charges of criminal conspiracy connected to efforts to secure presidential race money from the government of former Libyan leader.

Time in Custody: Inner Thoughts

“Behind bars one sees little, and nothing to do,” he reflects in an extract, suggesting the account will focus on his reflections from seclusion rather than extensive analysis on the strained and struggling jail system in France.

“Quiet is absent, which is missing in that facility, where one hears endless commotion,” he adds. “The din persists relentlessly. However, akin to empty spaces, inner life is strengthened behind bars.”

Freedom Plea: Recounting the Hardship

During his plea for freedom, he participated by video link from inside the facility, characterizing his incarceration as gruelling. He expressed in court: “I wish to commend to all the prison staff, displaying remarkable compassion, easing this difficult experience manageable – as it truly is one.”

“I didn’t expect that at 70 years of age, I’d be in prison. It’s a hardship that has been imposed on me. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It has an impact every inmate as it’s exhausting.”

Historical Context

He, who served as France’s president for a five-year term, became the inaugural past president in the European Union and the initial post-WWII figure in the French Republic to serve time in prison.

Before entering jail he had said he planned to utilize the opportunity to write a book.

Cell Library

Unconfirmed is if he found the opportunity to review and analyze the texts he brought with him: a two-volume biography of Jesus and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the famous story, where an innocent man ends up incarcerated but escapes to take revenge.

Daily Reality

He was placed in solitary confinement to protect him in a cell approximately nine square meters with his own shower and toilet at La Santé prison located in the capital. Two bodyguards stayed in a neighbouring cell.

Reports indicated that he consumed just yogurt while inside due to concerns prison cuisine may have been contaminated. He had facilities for self-catering yet he declined, based on unnamed sources. It is uncertain whether Sarkozy will write about what he ate in prison.

Lawyer’s Statements

His attorney, Christophe Ingrain every day while he was in prison, told the release hearing he would be safer out of prison rather than in custody. “He has faced threats against his life, has heard screaming during nighttime and emergency responses next door as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Charges and Sentence

His incarceration began on 21 October after the judiciary sentenced him to five years in prison on conspiracy charges in connection with efforts to obtain political donations for his presidential bid.

He maintains his innocence challenging the decision, and a fresh trial set for early next year.