The Former French President to Pen Jail Diary Chronicling His 20 Days Behind Bars
Nicolas Sarkozy plans a personal account this autumn called A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts the period served in jail.
The revelation was made shortly after Sarkozy gained freedom as he contests the guilty verdict for unlawful coordination regarding a scheme to secure political financing from the government of former Libyan leader.
Time in Custody: Personal Reflections
“In prison visibility is limited, and nothing to do,” he writes in a preview, implying the memoir will focus on his musings while in solitary confinement rather than extensive analysis on the overcrowded and troubled jail system in France.
“I forget silence, which is missing in that facility, where there is constant sound,” he adds. “The racket is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world is strengthened while incarcerated.”
Court Appearance: Sharing the Struggle
During his plea for freedom, he had appeared by video link from a room in prison, depicting prison life as draining. He expressed in court: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, showing great humanity, and who helped make this ordeal manageable – since it’s deeply troubling.”
“I didn’t expect at this stage of life, I’d be in prison. It’s an ordeal forced upon me. I confess it’s hard, it’s very hard. It affects one on any prisoner due to its intensity.”
Historical Context
Sarkozy, the ex-head of state between 2007 and 2012, set a precedent as ex-leader from the EU and the first leader since WWII in the French Republic to be incarcerated.
Prior to imprisonment he mentioned he would use his time to compose an account.
Books in Prison
It remains unclear did he manage to review and analyze the volumes he took into prison: a biography of Jesus in two parts and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the classic tale, in which an innocent man is imprisoned but escapes to exact retribution.
Daily Reality
He was held in isolation due to safety concerns in a cell approximately nine square meters featuring a personal bathroom at La Santé prison in the city. Two bodyguards stayed in a neighbouring cell.
Reports indicated his diet consisted just yogurt during his stay due to concerns meals provided might have been spat on. He had facilities to cook for himself but refused this, according to reports. It is uncertain if the memoir includes his dietary choices.
Lawyer’s Statements
Sarkozy’s lawyer, who visited his client each day during the incarceration, stated during proceedings he would be safer released rather than in custody. “There were death threats, heard shouts at night plus rapid actions in a neighbouring cell as a detainee harmed themselves.”
Case Background
His incarceration began in late October following a French court sentenced him to a five-year sentence on conspiracy charges related to a plan to obtain election financing for his 2007 presidential race.
He maintains his innocence challenging the decision, and a fresh trial planned for next spring.
