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The ex-president of France is preparing a book in the coming weeks titled A Prisoner’s Diary, chronicling the period served in jail.

The revelation came less than two weeks after the former president was released while he appeals his conviction related to illegal collaboration in a case to obtain presidential race money linked to the government of former Libyan leader.

Life Behind Bars: Personal Reflections

“Behind bars one sees little, and nothing to do,” he reflects in an extract, indicating the account is more about his reflections from solitary confinement rather than a broader observation on the strained and troubled jail system in France.

“Quiet is absent, not present at the prison, where there is a lot to hear,” he states. “The din persists relentlessly. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world grows stronger in prison.”

Freedom Plea: Recounting the Hardship

While appealing for release, the former leader was present by video link from his cell, describing his time inside as draining. He expressed in court: “I must acknowledge those working in the jail, who are exceptionally humane, and who helped make this difficult experience manageable – because it is a nightmare.”

“It never crossed my mind that in my seventies, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s an ordeal I must endure. I admit it’s difficult, deeply straining. It affects one on any prisoner as it’s exhausting.”

Historical Context

The former president, the ex-head of state for a five-year term, was the first past president of an EU country and the first postwar leader from France to experience jail.

Before entering jail he declared he planned to utilize the opportunity to write a book.

Reading Material

It is not certain whether he had time to review and analyze the three books he took into prison: a two-volume biography of Jesus plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, a plot where a blameless person is sentenced to jail then breaks out to exact retribution.

Life in Confinement

Sarkozy remained in solitary confinement to protect him in a space of about nine sq metres including private facilities at La Santé prison in Paris. Two bodyguards were stationed in an adjacent room.

Reports indicated that he consumed solely dairy snacks during his stay because he feared any food might have been spat on. He had facilities to cook for himself yet he declined, as per accounts. Unclear remains whether Sarkozy will write about meals during incarceration.

Defense Viewpoint

Sarkozy’s lawyer, who visited his client each day during the incarceration, stated during proceedings his safety would improve outside jail than inside. “He has faced threats against his life, heard shouts at night and emergency responses in a neighbouring cell when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Case Background

His incarceration began on 21 October after a Paris court gave him a half-decade term for illegal collaboration related to a plan to secure election financing for his presidential bid.

He disputes the charges and is contesting the ruling, and a fresh trial set for early next year.