🔗 Share this article The Former French President Preparing to Release Jail Diary Chronicling Three Weeks In Custody Nicolas Sarkozy will soon publish a book next month titled A Prisoner’s Diary, chronicling the period spent in custody. The announcement was made less than two weeks following the former president was released while he appeals the court ruling for unlawful coordination connected to efforts to acquire political financing from the government of Muammar Gaddafi. Life Behind Bars: Inner Thoughts “Behind bars there is nothing to see, with little to occupy time,” he writes in one passage, indicating the book is more about his reflections during seclusion instead of extensive analysis of the packed and troubled correctional facilities in the country. “Quiet is absent, not present at the prison, where noise is a lot to hear,” he adds. “The din unfortunately never stops. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world is fortified behind bars.” Court Appearance: Describing the Ordeal While appealing for release, the former leader participated by video link from a room in prison, describing his time inside as draining. He stated to the judge: “I wish to commend those working in the jail, displaying remarkable compassion, and who helped make this nightmare tolerable – since it’s deeply troubling.” “It never crossed my mind at this stage of life, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s a trial forced upon me. I confess it’s hard, it’s very hard. It leaves a mark on any prisoner as it’s exhausting.” Unprecedented Situation Sarkozy, the ex-head of state for a five-year term, was the first ex-leader from the EU and the first postwar leader in the French Republic to experience jail. Ahead of his incarceration he mentioned he planned to utilize the opportunity to compose an account. Reading Material It remains unclear whether he had time to read and critique the three books he had in his cell: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, where a blameless person is sentenced to jail then breaks out to take revenge. Life in Confinement Sarkozy was placed in isolation due to safety concerns in a space of about nine sq metres featuring a personal bathroom at the correctional facility located in the capital. Two bodyguards were stationed in an adjacent room. It was stated that he consumed only yoghurts while inside worried that any food might have been spat on. Options were available for self-catering but he turned this down, according to reports. It is uncertain if the memoir includes his dietary choices. Defense Viewpoint The legal representative, who visited his client every day throughout the jail term, informed the court he would be safer released rather than in custody. “There were death threats, heard shouts after dark plus rapid actions in an adjacent room during an inmate’s self-injury.” Legal Proceedings His incarceration began last month when a Paris court sentenced him to a half-decade term for illegal collaboration in connection with efforts to obtain political donations for his 2007 presidential race. He maintains his innocence and is contesting the ruling, and another court case planned for next spring.