Nicolas Sarkozy Preparing to Release Prison Memoir Chronicling Three Weeks In Custody
Nicolas Sarkozy is preparing a personal account next month named A Prisoner’s Diary, chronicling his time endured behind bars.
The announcement came just 11 days after the former president gained freedom while he appeals his conviction for unlawful coordination connected to efforts to obtain election campaign funds provided by the government of former Libyan leader.
Time in Custody: Solitary Musings
“Behind bars visibility is limited, and nothing to do,” he notes in a preview, suggesting the account centers around his reflections while in seclusion rather than extensive analysis of the overcrowded and troubled French prison system.
“Silence escapes me, not present in La Santé, where one hears a lot to hear,” he states. “The din persists relentlessly. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world is strengthened while incarcerated.”
Freedom Plea: Sharing the Struggle
During his plea for freedom, the former leader had appeared by video link from his cell, describing his time inside as draining. He had told the court: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, who are exceptionally humane, and who have made this ordeal bearable – because it is a nightmare.”
“I never imagined that in my seventies, I’d be in prison. It’s a hardship I must endure. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It leaves a mark on any prisoner due to its intensity.”
Unprecedented Situation
He, who led the nation from 2007 to 2012, was the first ex-leader from the EU and the initial post-WWII figure of France to experience jail.
Before entering jail he declared he planned to utilize the opportunity to compose an account.
Books in Prison
It is not certain did he manage to review and analyze the three books he brought with him: a two-volume biography of Jesus plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, where an innocent man is sentenced to jail later flees to exact retribution.
Daily Reality
He remained secluded due to safety concerns in a cell of about nine sq metres featuring a personal bathroom at the correctional facility in the city. Two bodyguards stayed in the next cell.
Reports indicated that he had eaten only yoghurts while inside because he feared any food may have been contaminated. Options were available for self-catering but refused this, according to reports. Not known is if the memoir includes what he ate in prison.
Defense Viewpoint
The legal representative, Christophe Ingrain daily during the incarceration, stated during proceedings security would be better outside jail than inside. “There were death threats, has heard screaming after dark plus rapid actions in an adjacent room during an inmate’s self-injury.”
Charges and Sentence
Sarkozy went to prison on 21 October following a French court sentenced him to a five-year sentence for illegal collaboration in connection with efforts to secure campaign funds for his 2007 presidential race.
He denies wrongdoing and has appealed against the verdict, with a new trial planned for early next year.
