Nicolas Sarkozy Preparing to Release Prison Memoir Detailing His 20 Days Behind Bars
Nicolas Sarkozy plans a book this autumn called A Prisoner’s Diary, chronicling his time served in custody.
This news came less than two weeks following the ex-leader gained freedom while he appeals his conviction related to illegal collaboration regarding a scheme to acquire political financing linked to the government of former Libyan leader.
Life Behind Bars: Solitary Musings
“In prison there is nothing to see, and activities are scarce,” he notes in one passage, suggesting the book is more about his thoughts from isolation instead of extensive analysis on the packed and crisis-hit French prison system.
“Quiet is absent, not present at the prison, where noise is endless commotion,” he adds. “The noise 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 via screen from his cell, describing his time inside as draining. He stated to the judge: “I want to pay tribute the correctional officers, showing great humanity, easing this ordeal manageable – since it’s deeply troubling.”
“It never crossed my mind that in my seventies, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a trial that has been imposed on me. I confess it’s hard, deeply straining. It has an impact all who experience it because it’s gruelling.”
Historical Context
He, the ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012, became the inaugural ex-leader of an EU country and the first postwar leader in the French Republic to experience jail.
Before entering jail he declared he intended to spend the period to compose an account.
Books in Prison
It remains unclear did he manage to read and critique the volumes he took into prison: a life story of Jesus spanning two books and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the famous story, a plot where an innocent man is sentenced to jail later flees to take revenge.
Daily Reality
Sarkozy remained secluded for his own security in a cell approximately nine square meters with his own shower and toilet at the correctional facility located in the capital. Guards were stationed in an adjacent room.
It was stated his diet consisted solely dairy snacks during his stay worried that prison cuisine could have been tampered with. He had facilities to prepare his own meals yet he declined, based on unnamed sources. Not known is if he will detail his dietary choices.
Legal Perspective
His attorney, Christophe Ingrain every day throughout the jail term, informed the court he would be safer released than inside. “He has faced threats against his life, has heard screaming at night and the urgent intervention in an adjacent room during an inmate’s self-injury.”
Case Background
His incarceration began on 21 October following a Paris court gave him a five-year sentence for illegal collaboration related to a plan to obtain political donations for his presidential bid.
He maintains his innocence and is contesting the ruling, with a new trial is scheduled for early next year.