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The ex-president of France will soon publish a memoir this autumn named A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts his time endured in custody.

This news came less than two weeks following the ex-leader left prison as his appeal proceeds the guilty verdict for illegal collaboration connected to efforts to secure election campaign funds from the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.

Prison Experience: Inner Thoughts

“Behind bars there is nothing to see, with little to occupy time,” he reflects in a preview, indicating the account centers around his reflections while in isolation instead of wider commentary on the packed and troubled correctional facilities in the country.

“Silence escapes me, which is missing in that facility, where there is a lot to hear,” he adds. “The racket is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, personal reflection is fortified while incarcerated.”

Court Appearance: Sharing the Struggle

At his release request hearing, the former leader participated by video link from a room in prison, describing his time inside as gruelling. He expressed in court: “I want to pay tribute those working in the jail, showing great humanity, and who have made this nightmare manageable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“It never crossed my mind 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 on any prisoner due to its intensity.”

Unprecedented Situation

The former president, the ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012, was the first former head from the EU and the initial post-WWII figure from France to serve time in prison.

Prior to imprisonment he had said he would use his time to compose an account.

Cell Library

Unconfirmed is did he manage to review and analyze the three books he brought with him: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, a plot where an innocent man is imprisoned but escapes to seek vengeance.

Daily Reality

The former leader remained in solitary confinement for his own security in a cell of about nine sq metres with his own shower and toilet at La Santé prison in the city. Security personnel stayed in the next cell.

Sources mentioned that he had eaten only yoghurts during his stay worried that prison cuisine might have been spat on. He had facilities to cook for himself but he turned this down, according to reports. Unclear remains if he will detail what he ate in prison.

Lawyer’s Statements

Sarkozy’s lawyer, who visited his client each day while he was in prison, told the release hearing his safety would improve outside jail than inside. “He has faced death threats, listened to yells during nighttime plus rapid actions in a neighbouring cell when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Case Background

He entered custody on 21 October when a Paris court gave him a five-year sentence for illegal collaboration in connection with efforts to obtain election financing for his presidential bid.

He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the verdict, with a new trial planned for the coming spring.