Nicolas Sarkozy Preparing to Release Jail Diary Detailing His 20 Days Incarcerated

Nicolas Sarkozy plans a personal account this autumn called A Prisoner’s Diary, detailing the period served in jail.

The revelation came just 11 days following the former president was released as he appeals the court ruling for unlawful coordination in a case to obtain election campaign funds provided by the government of former Libyan leader.

Time in Custody: Solitary Musings

“Behind bars there is nothing to see, and nothing to do,” he writes in one passage, indicating the account centers around his musings from solitary confinement rather than wider commentary of the overcrowded and crisis-hit correctional facilities in the country.

“Silence escapes me, which is missing in that facility, where one hears a lot to hear,” he adds. “The racket unfortunately never stops. However, akin to empty spaces, personal reflection grows stronger behind bars.”

Freedom Plea: Recounting the Hardship

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 wish to commend to all the prison staff, showing great humanity, easing this difficult experience manageable – as it truly is one.”

“It never crossed my mind at this stage of life, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s an ordeal that has been imposed on me. I admit it’s difficult, deeply straining. It affects one every inmate as it’s exhausting.”

Historical Context

Sarkozy, the ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012, was the first former head of an EU country and the first postwar leader in the French Republic to be incarcerated.

Before entering jail he mentioned he intended to spend the period to compose an account.

Books in Prison

It is not certain whether he had time to review and analyze the texts he had in his cell: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, a plot where a wrongfully accused individual is sentenced to jail then breaks out to seek vengeance.

Life in Confinement

The former leader remained secluded to protect him in a room approximately nine square meters including private facilities at La Santé prison in Paris. Two bodyguards occupied a neighbouring cell.

Reports indicated that he had eaten just yogurt while inside worried that meals provided might have been spat on. Although he had access to prepare his own meals yet he declined, based on unnamed sources. Not known is whether Sarkozy will write about meals during incarceration.

Defense Viewpoint

The legal representative, who saw him regularly each day during the incarceration, stated during proceedings he would be safer outside jail compared to inside. “He received threats against his life, heard shouts at night plus rapid actions next door during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Case Background

His incarceration began in late October when the judiciary sentenced him to a five-year sentence for illegal collaboration related to a plan to acquire campaign funds during his election campaign.

He disputes the charges challenging the decision, with a new trial set for next spring.