Nicolas Sarkozy Set to Write Prison Memoir Detailing Three Weeks In Custody

Nicolas Sarkozy will soon publish a memoir this autumn titled A Prisoner’s Diary, detailing the period endured behind bars.

This news came just 11 days after the ex-leader left prison while he contests the guilty verdict for unlawful coordination regarding a scheme to obtain presidential race money linked to the government of former Libyan leader.

Time in Custody: Solitary Musings

“In prison visibility is limited, and activities are scarce,” he writes in a preview, implying the account is more about his thoughts while in solitary confinement as opposed to wider commentary on the overcrowded and troubled correctional facilities in the country.

“Quiet is absent, which doesn’t exist at the prison, where noise is constant sound,” he adds. “The noise is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, personal reflection is strengthened while incarcerated.”

Release Hearing: Sharing the Struggle

During his plea for freedom, he participated by video link from his cell, describing his time inside as draining. He had told the court: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, and who have made this nightmare tolerable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“I didn’t expect that at 70 years of age, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s a hardship I must endure. I admit it’s difficult, deeply straining. It affects one every inmate as it’s exhausting.”

First of Its Kind

He, the ex-head of state between 2007 and 2012, was the first former head of an EU country and the first leader since WWII in the French Republic to be incarcerated.

Ahead of his incarceration he mentioned he would use his time to write a book.

Reading Material

It is not certain if he found the opportunity to go through the three books he took into prison: a life story of Jesus spanning two books together with Dumas’s work the famous story, a plot where an innocent man ends up incarcerated but escapes to seek vengeance.

Daily Reality

The former leader was held secluded for his own security in a space approximately nine square meters with his own shower and toilet at La Santé prison in Paris. Security personnel occupied an adjacent room.

It was stated that he had eaten solely dairy snacks while inside due to concerns any food might have been spat on. Options were available for self-catering but refused this, as per accounts. Unclear remains whether Sarkozy will write about his dietary choices.

Lawyer’s Statements

The legal representative, Christophe Ingrain each day during the incarceration, told the release hearing security would be better outside jail rather than in custody. “He has faced death threats, has heard screaming during nighttime and emergency responses in a neighbouring cell during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Case Background

His incarceration began in late October after the judiciary sentenced him to five years in prison for criminal conspiracy over a scheme to secure political donations for his 2007 presidential race.

He disputes the charges challenging the decision, with a new trial planned for early next year.