Nicolas Sarkozy Set to Write Jail Diary Chronicling His 20 Days In Custody

Nicolas Sarkozy is preparing a personal account next month titled Notes from a Cell, detailing the period endured in jail.

The revelation was made shortly after Sarkozy gained freedom as he contests his conviction on charges of unlawful coordination in a case to acquire election campaign funds linked to the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.

Life Behind Bars: Solitary Musings

“In prison there is nothing to see, and nothing to do,” he reflects in an extract, implying the memoir is more about his reflections from isolation as opposed to wider commentary regarding the overcrowded and troubled correctional facilities in the country.

“I forget silence, which doesn’t exist at the prison, where one hears endless commotion,” he adds. “The noise persists relentlessly. But, just like the desert, inner life is fortified behind bars.”

Court Appearance: Sharing the Struggle

While appealing for release, he participated by video link from inside the facility, depicting prison life as draining. He expressed in court: “I wish to commend the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, and who helped make this nightmare tolerable – because it is a nightmare.”

“It never crossed my mind that at 70 years of age, I’d be in prison. It’s an ordeal that has been imposed on me. It’s challenging, I acknowledge, it’s very hard. It leaves a mark all who experience it because it’s gruelling.”

First of Its Kind

Sarkozy, who served as France’s president between 2007 and 2012, became the inaugural ex-leader of an EU country and the first postwar leader from France to be incarcerated.

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

Cell Library

It remains unclear if he found the opportunity to read and critique the three books he had in his cell: a two-volume biography of Jesus plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, a plot where an innocent man is imprisoned but escapes to exact retribution.

Prison Conditions

The former leader was held secluded to protect him in a cell approximately nine square meters including private facilities at La Santé prison located in the capital. Guards occupied the next cell.

It was stated that he had eaten solely dairy snacks during his stay due to concerns any food may have been contaminated. Options were available to cook for himself yet he declined, as per accounts. It is uncertain if he will detail meals during incarceration.

Lawyer’s Statements

His attorney, who visited his client daily during the incarceration, informed the court his safety would improve out of prison 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.”

Case Background

He entered custody last month following a Paris court gave him a five-year sentence for illegal collaboration over a scheme to acquire campaign funds for his 2007 presidential race.

He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the verdict, with a new trial set for early next year.