🔗 Share this article The Former French President Preparing to Release Prison Memoir Chronicling Three Weeks In Custody Nicolas Sarkozy will soon publish a memoir next month titled A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts his time endured behind bars. This news was made less than two weeks following the ex-leader was released while he appeals the court ruling on charges of criminal conspiracy connected to efforts to acquire political financing linked to the leadership of former Libyan leader. Time in Custody: Solitary Musings “Inside jail visibility is limited, with little to occupy time,” he reflects in a preview, indicating the account is more about his musings from solitary confinement instead of extensive analysis of the strained and struggling correctional facilities in the country. “Quiet is absent, not present in that facility, where one hears endless commotion,” he adds. “The noise is alas constant. But, just like the desert, one’s inner world is strengthened behind bars.” Court Appearance: Recounting the Hardship While appealing for release, the former leader participated remotely from his cell, describing his time inside as draining. He expressed in court: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, easing this ordeal tolerable – because it is a nightmare.” “I never imagined at this stage of life, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a hardship I must endure. I confess it’s hard, it’s very hard. It affects one all who experience it as it’s exhausting.” Historical Context The former president, the ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012, was the first past president from the EU and the initial post-WWII figure of France to serve time in prison. Prior to imprisonment he mentioned he intended to spend the period to write a book. Cell Library It is not certain did he manage to review and analyze the volumes he brought with him: a two-volume biography of Jesus together with Dumas’s work the famous story, in which a blameless person is imprisoned later flees to exact retribution. Life in Confinement Sarkozy was held in solitary confinement to protect him in a cell of about nine sq metres featuring a personal bathroom in the Paris jail in the city. Two bodyguards stayed in the next cell. It was stated that he consumed only yoghurts in prison because he feared prison cuisine could have been tampered with. Although he had access to prepare his own meals but refused this, as per accounts. Unclear remains whether Sarkozy will write about what he ate in prison. Defense Viewpoint Sarkozy’s lawyer, who saw him regularly daily throughout the jail term, told the release hearing security would be better released compared to inside. “He received death threats, listened to yells after dark plus rapid actions next door when a prisoner self-harmed.” Legal Proceedings His incarceration began last month when the judiciary sentenced him to a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy related to a plan to acquire political donations for his 2007 presidential race. He maintains his innocence challenging the decision, with a new trial is scheduled for next spring.