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Nicolas Sarkozy plans a book in the coming weeks called A Prisoner’s Diary, chronicling the period served in jail.

The revelation was made shortly after Sarkozy left prison as he appeals the guilty verdict for illegal collaboration regarding a scheme to acquire political financing linked to the regime of the late Libyan dictator.

Prison Experience: Solitary Musings

“Behind bars there is nothing to see, with little to occupy time,” he reflects in an extract, implying the memoir is more about his reflections from solitary confinement rather than extensive analysis regarding the overcrowded and crisis-hit correctional facilities in the country.

“Silence escapes me, which doesn’t exist at the prison, where there is constant sound,” he continues. “The noise is alas constant. However, akin to empty spaces, one’s inner world grows stronger behind bars.”

Freedom Plea: Describing the Ordeal

During his plea for freedom, the former leader was present by video link from his cell, depicting prison life as draining. He expressed in court: “I want to pay tribute those working in the jail, showing great humanity, easing this nightmare bearable – as it truly is one.”

“I never imagined that in my seventies, I would end up incarcerated. It’s an ordeal forced upon me. I confess it’s hard, it’s very hard. It affects one every inmate as it’s exhausting.”

Unprecedented Situation

The former president, who led the nation from 2007 to 2012, set a precedent as ex-leader from the EU and the first postwar leader from France to be incarcerated.

Before entering jail he mentioned he would use his time to compose an account.

Cell Library

It remains unclear if he found the opportunity to go through the texts he had in his cell: a two-volume biography of Jesus plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, in which a wrongfully accused individual is imprisoned but escapes to take revenge.

Daily Reality

The former leader was placed secluded to protect him in a space roughly 100 square feet featuring a personal bathroom at La Santé prison located in the capital. Guards were stationed in a neighbouring cell.

Reports indicated that he consumed solely dairy snacks during his stay worried that any food may have been contaminated. Options were available to cook for himself yet he declined, based on unnamed sources. It is uncertain if he will detail meals during incarceration.

Lawyer’s Statements

His attorney, Christophe Ingrain daily throughout the jail term, stated during proceedings he would be safer outside jail rather than in custody. “He has faced threats against his life, has heard screaming after dark and the urgent intervention next door as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Charges and Sentence

His incarceration began in late October following the judiciary gave him a half-decade term on conspiracy charges in connection with efforts to obtain campaign funds for his 2007 presidential race.

He disputes the charges and has appealed against the verdict, with a new trial is scheduled for the coming spring.