The Former French President to Pen Jail Diary Documenting Three Weeks In Custody
Nicolas Sarkozy will soon publish a book this autumn called A Prisoner’s Diary, detailing his time spent behind bars.
The announcement was made shortly following the former president left prison while he appeals the court ruling related to criminal conspiracy in a case to obtain presidential race money provided by the leadership of former Libyan leader.
Life Behind Bars: Solitary Musings
“In prison there is nothing to see, and activities are scarce,” he notes in one passage, indicating the account is more about his musings while in isolation rather than wider commentary on the packed and struggling French prison system.
“I forget silence, not present in La Santé, where noise is endless commotion,” he adds. “The racket persists relentlessly. But, just like the desert, personal reflection is fortified behind bars.”
Release Hearing: Sharing the Struggle
At his release request hearing, Sarkozy was present by video link from his cell, depicting prison life as gruelling. He expressed in court: “I must acknowledge to all the prison staff, displaying remarkable compassion, easing this ordeal tolerable – as it truly is one.”
“I didn’t expect at this stage of life, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a hardship that has been imposed on me. I admit it’s difficult, it’s very hard. It leaves a mark every inmate due to its intensity.”
First of Its Kind
Sarkozy, the ex-head of state for a five-year term, became the inaugural past president of an EU country and the initial post-WWII figure of France to experience jail.
Before entering jail he mentioned he intended to spend the period to compose an account.
Books in Prison
It remains unclear did he manage to read and critique the three books he took into prison: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, a plot where a blameless person is imprisoned later flees to take revenge.
Daily Reality
Sarkozy remained in isolation due to safety concerns in a room of about nine sq metres including private facilities at the correctional facility in Paris. Two bodyguards were stationed in the next cell.
It was stated that he had eaten only yoghurts in prison because he feared prison cuisine might have been spat on. Although he had access for self-catering yet he declined, based on unnamed sources. It is uncertain if he will detail meals during incarceration.
Lawyer’s Statements
His attorney, Christophe Ingrain every day while he was in prison, informed the court he would be safer outside jail than inside. “He has faced menacing messages, listened to yells during nighttime and emergency responses in a neighbouring cell during an inmate’s self-injury.”
Charges and Sentence
His incarceration began last month following the judiciary sentenced him to five years in prison on conspiracy charges related to a plan to acquire election financing during his election campaign.
He disputes the charges and is contesting the ruling, and a fresh trial set for the coming spring.
