Nicolas Sarkozy Preparing to Release Prison Memoir Chronicling Two Dozen Days In Custody
The ex-president of France is preparing a personal account in the coming weeks called Diary of a Prisoner, which recounts his experience served in jail.
The revelation emerged shortly following Sarkozy was released while he appeals the court ruling on charges of unlawful coordination regarding a scheme to secure presidential race money from the government of former Libyan leader.
Time in Custody: Inner Thoughts
“Inside jail there is nothing to see, with little to occupy time,” he notes in a preview, indicating the account will focus on his thoughts during seclusion as opposed to extensive analysis on the packed and crisis-hit jail system in France.
“I forget silence, which is missing in La Santé, where there is endless commotion,” he adds. “The racket unfortunately never stops. But, just like the desert, one’s inner world is strengthened while incarcerated.”
Freedom Plea: Recounting the Hardship
While appealing for release, the former leader participated by video link from a room in prison, depicting prison life as gruelling. He stated to the judge: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, and who have made this nightmare bearable – because it is a nightmare.”
“I didn’t expect at this stage of life, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a trial that has been imposed on me. I confess it’s hard, extremely tough. It leaves a mark on any prisoner because it’s gruelling.”
Historical Context
Sarkozy, the ex-head of state for a five-year term, was the first ex-leader of an EU country and the initial post-WWII figure in the French Republic to be incarcerated.
Prior to imprisonment he mentioned he planned to utilize the opportunity to write a book.
Cell Library
It is not certain did he manage to review and analyze the volumes he brought with him: a life story of Jesus spanning two books together with Dumas’s work the classic tale, a plot where a wrongfully accused individual is imprisoned then breaks out to take revenge.
Life in Confinement
He was held in solitary confinement due to safety concerns in a cell approximately nine square meters featuring a personal bathroom at the correctional facility in the city. Guards were stationed in the next cell.
It was stated that he consumed just yogurt while inside due to concerns meals provided could have been tampered with. Although he had access for self-catering but he turned this down, as per accounts. Not known is whether Sarkozy will write about meals during incarceration.
Lawyer’s Statements
Sarkozy’s lawyer, who visited his client each day throughout the jail term, stated during proceedings security would be better released compared to inside. “He has faced menacing messages, listened to yells during nighttime and the urgent intervention next door as a detainee harmed themselves.”
Legal Proceedings
Sarkozy went to prison in late October following a Paris court imposed a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy related to a plan to acquire political donations for his presidential bid.
He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the verdict, with a new trial planned for next spring.
