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The ex-president of France will soon publish a book this autumn named A Prisoner’s Diary, chronicling his experience endured in jail.

The revelation emerged just 11 days after the ex-leader left prison as he contests the guilty verdict on charges of criminal conspiracy regarding a scheme to secure political financing linked to the government of former Libyan leader.

Life Behind Bars: Inner Thoughts

“Inside jail there is nothing to see, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in a preview, indicating the account is more about his reflections from seclusion as opposed to wider commentary of the overcrowded and struggling jail system in France.

“Quiet is absent, which is missing at the prison, where one hears a lot to hear,” he states. “The din persists relentlessly. Yet, similar to barren lands, personal reflection is strengthened behind bars.”

Court Appearance: Recounting the Hardship

During his plea for freedom, Sarkozy participated via screen from inside the facility, describing his time inside as draining. He had told the court: “I must acknowledge those working in the jail, displaying remarkable compassion, and who have made this nightmare tolerable – as it truly is one.”

“I didn’t expect at this stage of life, I’d be in prison. It’s a trial I must endure. It’s challenging, I acknowledge, it’s very hard. It has an impact every inmate as it’s exhausting.”

Historical Context

Sarkozy, the ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012, set a precedent as past president from the EU and the first leader since WWII of France to serve time in prison.

Prior to imprisonment he declared he intended to spend the period to compose an account.

Reading Material

It is not certain if he found the opportunity to review and analyze the volumes he took into prison: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, in which a blameless person is imprisoned later flees to exact retribution.

Daily Reality

Sarkozy was placed in solitary confinement due to safety concerns in a room of about nine sq metres with his own shower and toilet at La Santé prison in the city. Guards were stationed in the next cell.

Sources mentioned that he consumed only yoghurts during his stay because he feared meals provided may have been contaminated. Although he had access to cook for himself but he turned this down, as per accounts. Not known is if the memoir includes what he ate in prison.

Defense Viewpoint

Sarkozy’s lawyer, who visited his client daily while he was in prison, informed the court he would be safer released rather than in custody. “He has faced death threats, has heard screaming during nighttime and emergency responses in a neighbouring cell during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Legal Proceedings

Sarkozy went to prison last month following a French court sentenced him to a five-year sentence on conspiracy charges in connection with efforts to acquire election financing for his presidential bid.

He disputes the charges and is contesting the ruling, and another court case set for next spring.