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Nicolas Sarkozy will soon publish a book in the coming weeks titled A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts his time endured in jail.

This news came shortly after the former president gained freedom as his appeal proceeds the court ruling on charges of unlawful coordination in a case to secure presidential race money provided by the government of former Libyan leader.

Time in Custody: Inner Thoughts

“Inside jail there is nothing to see, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in an extract, suggesting the memoir will focus on his thoughts during seclusion rather than a broader observation regarding the strained and struggling correctional facilities in the country.

“Quiet is absent, which is missing at the prison, where there is endless commotion,” he continues. “The racket unfortunately never stops. However, akin to empty spaces, inner life is fortified behind bars.”

Freedom Plea: Recounting the Hardship

At his release request hearing, Sarkozy had appeared by video link from a room in prison, depicting prison life as draining. He had told the court: “I must acknowledge those working in the jail, showing great humanity, and who helped make this ordeal bearable – as it truly is one.”

“It never crossed my mind at this stage of life, I’d be in prison. It’s a trial I must endure. I confess it’s hard, it’s very hard. It has an impact on any prisoner as it’s exhausting.”

Unprecedented Situation

He, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, was the first past president of an EU country and the first leader since WWII from France to be incarcerated.

Before entering jail he mentioned he intended to spend the period for authoring a memoir.

Reading Material

Unconfirmed is did he manage to review and analyze the three books he brought with him: a life story of Jesus spanning two books and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the classic tale, in which an innocent man is sentenced to jail but escapes to take revenge.

Daily Reality

He remained secluded due to safety concerns in a space roughly 100 square feet with his own shower and toilet at the correctional facility in the city. Two bodyguards were stationed in a neighbouring cell.

Sources mentioned that he had eaten solely dairy snacks during his stay because he feared any food could have been tampered with. He had facilities to prepare his own meals but refused this, as per accounts. It is uncertain whether Sarkozy will write about meals during incarceration.

Lawyer’s Statements

The legal representative, who visited his client daily during the incarceration, informed the court security would be better outside jail rather than in custody. “He has faced threats against his life, has heard screaming during nighttime and emergency responses in an adjacent room as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Legal Proceedings

His incarceration began on 21 October following a Paris court imposed five years in prison for illegal collaboration over a scheme to acquire political donations for his presidential bid.

He denies wrongdoing and has appealed against the verdict, and another court case set for next spring.