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Nicolas Sarkozy will soon publish a memoir next month titled A Prisoner’s Diary, detailing the period endured in custody.

The revelation was made just 11 days following the former president gained freedom while he appeals his conviction related to unlawful coordination regarding a scheme to secure political financing provided by the regime of the late Libyan dictator.

Time in Custody: Solitary Musings

“Inside jail there is nothing to see, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in a preview, implying the memoir is more about his thoughts from seclusion rather than extensive analysis regarding the overcrowded and struggling French prison system.

“Silence escapes me, not present in that facility, where noise is a lot to hear,” he adds. “The noise unfortunately never stops. However, akin to empty spaces, inner life is fortified behind bars.”

Court Appearance: Sharing the Struggle

During his plea for freedom, Sarkozy was present remotely from his cell, characterizing his incarceration as draining. He had told the court: “I want to pay tribute those working in the jail, showing great humanity, and who have made this nightmare bearable – because it is a nightmare.”

“I didn’t expect that at 70 years of age, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s a trial I must endure. It’s challenging, I acknowledge, deeply straining. It leaves a mark all who experience it due to its intensity.”

First of Its Kind

The former president, who led the nation from 2007 to 2012, set a precedent as former head of an EU country and the first leader since WWII of France to be incarcerated.

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

Reading Material

It is not certain if he found the opportunity to read and critique the texts he brought with him: a life story of Jesus spanning two books together with Dumas’s work The Count of Monte Cristo, where a wrongfully accused individual is imprisoned then breaks out to take revenge.

Daily Reality

Sarkozy was held secluded for his own security in a cell of about nine sq metres with his own shower and toilet at La Santé prison located in the capital. Two bodyguards were stationed in a neighbouring cell.

Sources mentioned his diet consisted just yogurt in prison worried that meals provided could have been tampered with. Options were available to prepare his own meals but refused this, according to reports. It is uncertain whether Sarkozy will write about his dietary choices.

Defense Viewpoint

Sarkozy’s lawyer, who saw him regularly each day throughout the jail term, stated during proceedings his safety would improve out of prison than inside. “There were menacing messages, has heard screaming during nighttime plus rapid actions in an adjacent room as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Charges and Sentence

Sarkozy went to prison last month when the judiciary imposed a half-decade term on conspiracy charges in connection with efforts to secure political donations during his election campaign.

He disputes the charges and has appealed against the verdict, and another court case planned for early next year.