🔗 Share this article Nicolas Sarkozy Preparing to Release Prison Memoir Documenting His 20 Days In Custody Nicolas Sarkozy plans a book this autumn titled Diary of a Prisoner, detailing the period endured in jail. The announcement emerged just 11 days following Sarkozy gained freedom as he contests his conviction on charges of illegal collaboration regarding a scheme to obtain political financing linked to the government of Muammar Gaddafi. Prison Experience: Inner Thoughts “In prison visibility is limited, and nothing to do,” he writes in one passage, suggesting the account centers around his musings from isolation as opposed to wider commentary of the packed and struggling jail system in France. “Quiet is absent, not present in La Santé, where there is a lot to hear,” he states. “The din is alas constant. However, akin to empty spaces, personal reflection is strengthened behind bars.” Court Appearance: Sharing the Struggle During his plea for freedom, Sarkozy was present via screen from a room in prison, depicting prison life as exhausting. He expressed in court: “I want to pay tribute to all the prison staff, displaying remarkable compassion, and who have made this difficult experience bearable – since it’s deeply troubling.” “I never imagined at this stage of life, I would end up incarcerated. It’s an ordeal that has been imposed on me. It’s challenging, I acknowledge, it’s very hard. It affects one all who experience it due to its intensity.” Unprecedented Situation The former president, who served as France’s president for a five-year term, was the first ex-leader of an EU country and the first postwar leader of France to serve time in prison. Before entering jail he declared he intended to spend the period to compose an account. Reading Material Unconfirmed is did he manage to go through the three books he took into prison: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, in which a wrongfully accused individual is sentenced to jail then breaks out to take revenge. Life in Confinement He remained in isolation to protect him in a space of about nine sq metres featuring a personal bathroom at the correctional facility located in the capital. Guards occupied the next cell. Reports indicated his diet consisted only yoghurts during his stay due to concerns any food could have been tampered with. Although he had access to prepare his own meals but refused this, based on unnamed sources. It is uncertain if he will detail what he ate in prison. Defense Viewpoint Sarkozy’s lawyer, who visited his client every day while he was in prison, told the release hearing security would be better outside jail rather than in custody. “He has faced death threats, heard shouts at night plus rapid actions in a neighbouring cell as a detainee harmed themselves.” Charges and Sentence He entered custody in late October following the judiciary gave him a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy in connection with efforts to secure political donations for his 2007 presidential race. He denies wrongdoing and is contesting the ruling, and another court case set for early next year.