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Nicolas Sarkozy plans a book in the coming weeks titled Diary of a Prisoner, detailing the period endured in jail.

This news emerged less than two weeks following the ex-leader left prison as he contests his conviction for criminal conspiracy in a case to secure political financing linked to the government of Muammar Gaddafi.

Time in Custody: Solitary Musings

“In prison there is nothing to see, and nothing to do,” he reflects in an extract, suggesting the memoir will focus on his thoughts during isolation as opposed to a broader observation on the overcrowded and troubled jail system in France.

“Silence escapes me, which is missing at the prison, where noise is endless commotion,” he continues. “The noise unfortunately never stops. However, akin to empty spaces, inner life grows stronger behind bars.”

Freedom Plea: Describing the Ordeal

At his release request hearing, Sarkozy was present remotely from a room in prison, describing his time inside as gruelling. He stated to the judge: “I must acknowledge to all the prison staff, displaying remarkable compassion, and who helped make this ordeal tolerable – because it is a nightmare.”

“I didn’t expect that in my seventies, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s a trial forced upon me. I confess it’s hard, extremely tough. It affects one all who experience it because it’s gruelling.”

Unprecedented Situation

He, who led the nation between 2007 and 2012, was the first ex-leader from the EU and the first leader since WWII from France to serve time in prison.

Ahead of his incarceration he had said he would use his time to compose an account.

Cell Library

Unconfirmed is if he found the opportunity to go through the three books he brought with him: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, in which a blameless person is imprisoned but escapes to seek vengeance.

Life in Confinement

He was held secluded due to safety concerns in a room approximately nine square meters featuring a personal bathroom at the correctional facility in Paris. Two bodyguards were stationed in the next cell.

Reports indicated that he had eaten only yoghurts in prison worried that any food might have been spat on. Options were available to cook for himself yet he declined, according to reports. It is uncertain whether Sarkozy will write about meals during incarceration.

Defense Viewpoint

His attorney, who saw him regularly daily throughout the jail term, stated during proceedings his safety would improve outside jail than inside. “He has faced threats against his life, listened to yells at night and emergency responses in a neighbouring cell as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Case Background

His incarceration began in late October after a Paris court sentenced him to a five-year sentence for illegal collaboration related to a plan to obtain political donations for his 2007 presidential race.

He denies wrongdoing and is contesting the ruling, and another court case is scheduled for next spring.