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The ex-president of France will soon publish a memoir in the coming weeks titled A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts the period spent in jail.

This news emerged shortly after Sarkozy was released while his appeal proceeds his conviction on charges of unlawful coordination regarding a scheme to acquire election campaign funds from the regime of former Libyan leader.

Time in Custody: Personal Reflections

“Inside jail visibility is limited, and nothing to do,” he reflects in an extract, implying the account is more about his reflections while in seclusion as opposed to extensive analysis of the packed and crisis-hit correctional facilities in the country.

“I forget silence, which doesn’t exist in La Santé, where noise is constant sound,” he states. “The noise unfortunately never stops. However, akin to empty spaces, personal reflection is fortified while incarcerated.”

Court Appearance: Recounting the Hardship

At his release request hearing, Sarkozy had appeared via screen from his cell, describing his time inside as exhausting. He stated to the judge: “I wish to commend the correctional officers, who are exceptionally humane, easing this nightmare manageable – as it truly is one.”

“It never crossed my mind at this stage of life, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a trial I must endure. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It has an impact every inmate due to its intensity.”

First of Its Kind

The former president, the ex-head of state for a five-year term, became the inaugural ex-leader from the EU and the initial post-WWII figure of France to experience jail.

Prior to imprisonment he mentioned he intended to spend the period to write a book.

Cell Library

It is not certain did he manage to review and analyze the volumes he brought with him: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo, a plot where a wrongfully accused individual is sentenced to jail later flees to take revenge.

Daily Reality

Sarkozy remained secluded due to safety concerns in a room roughly 100 square feet featuring a personal bathroom at La Santé prison in the city. Guards were stationed in an adjacent room.

Reports indicated that he consumed just yogurt in prison because he feared prison cuisine may have been contaminated. Options were available for self-catering but refused this, based on unnamed sources. Not known is if the memoir includes his dietary choices.

Lawyer’s Statements

The legal representative, who visited his client daily throughout the jail term, stated during proceedings he would be safer released compared to inside. “He has faced threats against his life, heard shouts after dark and emergency responses next door when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Legal Proceedings

Sarkozy went to prison on 21 October following the judiciary gave him a half-decade term for illegal collaboration related to a plan to acquire campaign funds during his election campaign.

He disputes the charges challenging the decision, and a fresh trial is scheduled for the coming spring.