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Nicolas Sarkozy plans a memoir next month called A Prisoner’s Diary, chronicling his experience spent behind bars.

The revelation was made less than two weeks following the ex-leader left prison as he contests his conviction on charges of illegal collaboration connected to efforts to secure political financing provided by the regime of the late Libyan dictator.

Life Behind Bars: Solitary Musings

“Behind bars there is nothing to see, and nothing to do,” he notes in one passage, implying the memoir centers around his musings during solitary confinement instead of wider commentary of the packed and crisis-hit correctional facilities in the country.

“I forget silence, which is missing in that facility, where one hears endless commotion,” he adds. “The racket is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world is strengthened in prison.”

Court Appearance: Recounting the Hardship

At his release request hearing, he had appeared by video link from inside the facility, describing his time inside as gruelling. He had told the court: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, who are exceptionally humane, easing this difficult experience bearable – because it is a nightmare.”

“I didn’t expect that at 70 years of age, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s an ordeal I must endure. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It affects one on any prisoner as it’s exhausting.”

Historical Context

He, the ex-head of state between 2007 and 2012, set a precedent as former head from the EU and the first postwar leader from France to experience jail.

Ahead of his incarceration he had said he intended to spend the period to compose an account.

Cell Library

It remains unclear did he manage to read and critique the three books he brought with him: a two-volume biography of Jesus and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the classic tale, where a wrongfully accused individual is imprisoned but escapes to take revenge.

Life in Confinement

He was placed in isolation for his own security in a cell roughly 100 square feet including private facilities at La Santé prison located in the capital. Two bodyguards were stationed in an adjacent room.

Sources mentioned that he had eaten only yoghurts during his stay due to concerns any food may have been contaminated. Although he had access to prepare his own meals but refused this, as per accounts. It is uncertain if the memoir includes meals during incarceration.

Lawyer’s Statements

Sarkozy’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain daily throughout the jail term, stated during proceedings security would be better released compared to inside. “He received death threats, listened to yells after dark plus rapid actions next door as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Legal Proceedings

Sarkozy went to prison last month following a French court sentenced him to a half-decade term for illegal collaboration related to a plan to obtain election financing for his presidential bid.

He maintains his innocence challenging the decision, with a new trial is scheduled for early next year.