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Nicolas Sarkozy is preparing a book in the coming weeks titled Diary of a Prisoner, which recounts his experience served behind bars.

The revelation was made shortly after Sarkozy left prison as he appeals the guilty verdict on charges of illegal collaboration in a case to obtain political financing linked to the government of Muammar Gaddafi.

Prison Experience: Solitary Musings

“Inside jail visibility is limited, and activities are scarce,” he writes in an extract, suggesting the account centers around his musings while in isolation instead of extensive analysis of the overcrowded and crisis-hit correctional facilities in the country.

“Quiet is absent, which doesn’t exist at the prison, where noise is a lot to hear,” he states. “The din persists relentlessly. However, akin to empty spaces, inner life is fortified behind bars.”

Court Appearance: Describing the Ordeal

During his plea for freedom, the former leader was present via screen from his cell, describing his time inside as gruelling. He had told the court: “I want to pay tribute the correctional officers, who are exceptionally humane, easing this nightmare tolerable – as it truly is one.”

“I never imagined that at 70 years of age, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s a hardship I must endure. I confess it’s hard, extremely tough. It leaves a mark every inmate due to its intensity.”

Historical Context

He, who led the nation between 2007 and 2012, became the inaugural former head in the European Union and the initial post-WWII figure of France to serve time in prison.

Prior to imprisonment he mentioned he intended to spend the period for authoring a memoir.

Books in Prison

It remains unclear if he found the opportunity to read and critique the three books he brought with him: a two-volume biography of Jesus together with Dumas’s work The Count of Monte Cristo, where a blameless person ends up incarcerated later flees to take revenge.

Life in Confinement

The former leader remained in isolation due to safety concerns in a room of about nine sq metres including private facilities in the Paris jail in Paris. Security personnel occupied the next cell.

It was stated his diet consisted just yogurt in prison due to concerns prison cuisine could have been tampered with. He had facilities to cook for himself yet he declined, according to reports. It is uncertain if the memoir includes his dietary choices.

Legal Perspective

Sarkozy’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain daily while he was in prison, stated during proceedings he would be safer outside jail than inside. “There were threats against his life, heard shouts at night and the urgent intervention in a neighbouring cell as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Legal Proceedings

His incarceration began last month when a French court sentenced him to a half-decade term for criminal conspiracy over a scheme to acquire campaign funds for his presidential bid.

He disputes the charges and has appealed against the verdict, and a fresh trial set for early next year.