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

The ex-president of France plans a memoir in the coming weeks called A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts his experience served in jail.

The announcement was made less than two weeks following the former president left prison as he contests the guilty verdict on charges of criminal conspiracy in a case to acquire political financing provided by the leadership of former Libyan leader.

Prison Experience: Inner Thoughts

“In prison visibility is limited, and nothing to do,” he reflects in an extract, implying the account centers around his thoughts during solitary confinement instead of a broader observation on the packed and crisis-hit jail system in France.

“Quiet is absent, not present at the prison, where noise is a lot to hear,” he continues. “The racket persists relentlessly. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world grows stronger in prison.”

Court Appearance: Describing the Ordeal

During his plea for freedom, Sarkozy had appeared by video link from inside the facility, describing his time inside as draining. He had told the court: “I want to pay tribute those working in the jail, displaying remarkable compassion, easing this nightmare manageable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“I didn’t expect that at 70 years of age, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s a trial forced upon me. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It has an impact every inmate as it’s exhausting.”

First of Its Kind

He, who served as France’s president for a five-year term, was the first ex-leader in the European Union and the first postwar leader from France to experience jail.

Ahead of his incarceration he mentioned he intended to spend the period to compose an account.

Cell Library

It remains unclear whether he had time to read and critique the texts he took into prison: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, a plot where a wrongfully accused individual ends up incarcerated later flees to seek vengeance.

Life in Confinement

He was held in solitary confinement due to safety concerns in a cell roughly 100 square feet with his own shower and toilet at La Santé prison in Paris. Two bodyguards were stationed in a neighbouring cell.

It was stated that he consumed just yogurt while inside because he feared prison cuisine might have been spat on. Options were available for self-catering but refused this, according to reports. Not known is if the memoir includes meals during incarceration.

Legal Perspective

The legal representative, Christophe Ingrain each day during the incarceration, told the release hearing his safety would improve released compared to inside. “He received threats against his life, heard shouts at night and the urgent intervention in a neighbouring cell during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Case Background

He entered custody last month after a French court gave him a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy over a scheme to obtain campaign funds during his election campaign.

He disputes the charges and is contesting the ruling, and another court case is scheduled for next spring.