Nicolas Sarkozy Set to Write Prison Memoir Chronicling His 20 Days In Custody

Nicolas Sarkozy is preparing a memoir next month called A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts the period spent behind bars.

The revelation emerged shortly after the former president left prison as he contests the guilty verdict on charges of criminal conspiracy in a case to secure presidential race money linked to the leadership of Muammar Gaddafi.

Time in Custody: Solitary Musings

“Behind bars visibility is limited, with little to occupy time,” he notes in a preview, implying the memoir is more about his reflections during seclusion instead of a broader observation regarding the strained and troubled correctional facilities in the country.

“I forget silence, which doesn’t exist at the prison, where one hears constant sound,” he states. “The racket persists relentlessly. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world is fortified while incarcerated.”

Freedom Plea: Describing the Ordeal

While appealing for release, the former leader participated remotely from a room in prison, describing his time inside as gruelling. He stated to the judge: “I wish to commend those working in the jail, who are exceptionally humane, easing this ordeal tolerable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“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, deeply straining. It leaves a mark on any prisoner due to its intensity.”

Historical Context

The former president, the ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012, was the first former head from the EU and the first leader since WWII of France to be incarcerated.

Before entering jail he declared he would use his time to write a book.

Cell Library

It is not certain whether he had time to go through the texts he brought with him: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, in which an innocent man ends up incarcerated then breaks out to exact retribution.

Daily Reality

He was held in solitary confinement due to safety concerns in a space approximately nine square meters with his own shower and toilet at La Santé prison in Paris. Guards were stationed in a neighbouring cell.

Reports indicated that he consumed only yoghurts in prison because he feared prison cuisine might have been spat on. Options were available to cook for himself but refused this, according to reports. Unclear remains if the memoir includes meals during incarceration.

Lawyer’s Statements

The legal representative, who visited his client every day while he was in prison, told the release hearing his safety would improve outside jail compared to inside. “There were threats against his life, heard shouts at night and the urgent intervention in an adjacent room as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Case Background

His incarceration began on 21 October when the judiciary gave him five years in prison on conspiracy charges in connection with efforts to secure election financing for his presidential bid.

He disputes the charges and is contesting the ruling, and a fresh trial is scheduled for early next year.