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The ex-president of France is preparing a book next month titled Diary of a Prisoner, which recounts his time endured in custody.

This news was made just 11 days after Sarkozy left prison as he appeals the guilty verdict for illegal collaboration connected to efforts to acquire political financing linked to the regime of former Libyan leader.

Life Behind Bars: Inner Thoughts

“Inside jail there is nothing to see, and nothing to do,” he notes in an extract, implying the account will focus on his reflections from solitary confinement as opposed to wider commentary on the overcrowded and troubled correctional facilities in the country.

“I forget silence, which doesn’t exist at the prison, where noise is endless commotion,” he continues. “The din unfortunately never stops. But, just like the desert, personal reflection is strengthened in prison.”

Court Appearance: Describing the Ordeal

During his plea for freedom, the former leader participated by video link from his cell, describing his time inside as exhausting. He stated to the judge: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, and who helped make this difficult experience manageable – as it truly is one.”

“It never crossed my mind that at 70 years of age, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a hardship that has been imposed on me. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It leaves a mark on any prisoner due to its intensity.”

Historical Context

He, who served as France’s president between 2007 and 2012, became the inaugural former head in the European Union and the first leader since WWII of France to experience jail.

Ahead of his incarceration he mentioned he planned to utilize the opportunity to compose an account.

Reading Material

It remains unclear if he found the opportunity to read and critique the three books he brought with him: a two-volume biography of Jesus plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, in which an innocent man ends up incarcerated then breaks out to take revenge.

Daily Reality

He remained in solitary confinement to protect him in a room roughly 100 square feet including private facilities at the correctional facility in the city. Two bodyguards occupied the next cell.

Sources mentioned that he had eaten just yogurt while inside because he feared meals provided may have been contaminated. Options were available to cook for himself but he turned this down, as per accounts. Not known is if he will detail meals during incarceration.

Defense Viewpoint

The legal representative, who saw him regularly each day during the incarceration, told the release hearing his safety would improve released rather than in custody. “He received threats against his life, listened to yells after dark plus rapid actions in a neighbouring cell as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Charges and Sentence

His incarceration began on 21 October following a French court imposed a five-year sentence for illegal collaboration related to a plan to acquire campaign funds for his presidential bid.

He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the verdict, with a new trial is scheduled for next spring.