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The ex-president of France will soon publish a personal account in the coming weeks titled A Prisoner’s Diary, detailing his experience served in jail.

The announcement was made less than two weeks following Sarkozy gained freedom while he appeals the court ruling for unlawful coordination regarding a scheme to obtain presidential race money provided by the leadership of the late Libyan dictator.

Time in Custody: Inner Thoughts

“Inside jail one sees little, and nothing to do,” he writes in one passage, implying the memoir will focus on his reflections from isolation instead of extensive analysis regarding the packed and troubled jail system in France.

“I forget silence, which is missing at the prison, where one hears constant sound,” he states. “The din is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, personal reflection is strengthened while incarcerated.”

Court Appearance: Sharing the Struggle

At his release request hearing, he was present by video link from inside the facility, describing his time inside as exhausting. He had told the court: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, showing great humanity, and who helped make this ordeal bearable – as it truly is one.”

“I never imagined that in my seventies, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s a hardship I must endure. I admit it’s difficult, it’s very hard. It has an impact on any prisoner due to its intensity.”

Historical Context

He, who led the nation from 2007 to 2012, was the first former head of an EU country and the initial post-WWII figure in the French Republic to be incarcerated.

Before entering jail he mentioned he would use his time to write a book.

Books in Prison

It is not certain whether he had time to go through the texts he had in his cell: a biography of Jesus in two parts and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the classic tale, in which an innocent man ends up incarcerated then breaks out to exact retribution.

Prison Conditions

The former leader was placed in isolation for his own security in a cell of about nine sq metres including private facilities in the Paris jail in Paris. Two bodyguards were stationed in a neighbouring cell.

Sources mentioned that he consumed solely dairy snacks during his stay worried that any food may have been contaminated. Although he had access to prepare his own meals yet he declined, according to reports. Not known is if the memoir includes what he ate in prison.

Defense Viewpoint

His attorney, who saw him regularly every day during the incarceration, informed the court his safety would improve outside jail rather than in custody. “He received threats against his life, has heard screaming after dark and the urgent intervention in an adjacent room when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Case Background

His incarceration began last month after the judiciary gave him a half-decade term for illegal collaboration related to a plan to secure campaign funds for his 2007 presidential race.

He denies wrongdoing challenging the decision, and a fresh trial is scheduled for the coming spring.