Nicolas Sarkozy Preparing to Release Prison Memoir Detailing Two Dozen Days Behind Bars
The ex-president of France plans a book in the coming weeks named Diary of a Prisoner, which recounts his time served in custody.
The revelation came just 11 days after Sarkozy was released while he appeals his conviction on charges of illegal collaboration in a case to obtain presidential race money provided by the leadership of former Libyan leader.
Prison Experience: Inner Thoughts
“In prison visibility is limited, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in an extract, indicating the book is more about his thoughts while in solitary confinement instead of extensive analysis on the packed and troubled French prison system.
“I forget silence, which doesn’t exist at the prison, where there is constant sound,” he adds. “The noise unfortunately never stops. Yet, similar to barren lands, personal reflection is fortified behind bars.”
Court Appearance: Sharing the Struggle
During his plea for freedom, the former leader participated by video link from inside the facility, depicting prison life as draining. He expressed in court: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, who are exceptionally humane, and who have made this difficult experience bearable – as it truly is one.”
“I didn’t expect that in my seventies, I’d be in prison. It’s a trial forced upon me. I confess it’s hard, deeply straining. It affects one all who experience it as it’s exhausting.”
Historical Context
Sarkozy, the ex-head of state for a five-year term, set a precedent as ex-leader in the European Union and the initial post-WWII figure from France to experience jail.
Before entering jail he mentioned he would use his time for authoring a memoir.
Books in Prison
It is not certain did he manage to go through the three books he had in his cell: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo, a plot where a blameless person is imprisoned but escapes to seek vengeance.
Daily Reality
He remained in solitary confinement to protect him in a space approximately nine square meters including private facilities at La Santé prison in the city. Two bodyguards stayed in a neighbouring cell.
Reports indicated his diet consisted solely dairy snacks while inside due to concerns any food may have been contaminated. Options were available to prepare his own meals but he turned this down, as per accounts. Unclear remains whether Sarkozy will write about meals during incarceration.
Defense Viewpoint
His attorney, Christophe Ingrain every day throughout the jail term, informed the court his safety would improve out of prison rather than in custody. “There were menacing messages, listened to yells after dark and emergency responses next door when a prisoner self-harmed.”
Charges and Sentence
His incarceration began on 21 October when a Paris court imposed a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy over a scheme to secure political donations during his election campaign.
He denies wrongdoing and has appealed against the verdict, and another court case planned for early next year.
