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The ex-president of France plans a memoir next month named Diary of a Prisoner, which recounts the period spent in custody.

The revelation emerged shortly after the ex-leader gained freedom as his appeal proceeds his conviction related to unlawful coordination in a case to secure political financing linked to the regime of former Libyan leader.

Time in Custody: Solitary Musings

“In prison there is nothing to see, with little to occupy time,” he notes in a preview, implying the book centers around his musings during isolation as opposed to extensive analysis on the overcrowded and troubled jail system in France.

“Quiet is absent, not present in that facility, where one hears endless commotion,” he states. “The din persists relentlessly. However, akin to empty spaces, personal reflection is strengthened while incarcerated.”

Court Appearance: Describing the Ordeal

While appealing for release, the former leader participated via screen from a room in prison, describing his time inside as draining. He stated to the judge: “I want to pay tribute the correctional officers, showing great humanity, and who helped make this difficult experience manageable – because it is a nightmare.”

“I didn’t expect that in my seventies, I’d be in prison. It’s a trial I must endure. I confess it’s hard, extremely tough. It affects one all who experience it due to its intensity.”

First of Its Kind

Sarkozy, the ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012, was the first past president in the European Union and the first leader since WWII in the French Republic to be incarcerated.

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

Reading Material

Unconfirmed is did he manage to review and analyze the texts he brought with him: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, a plot where a wrongfully accused individual is sentenced to jail later flees to seek vengeance.

Prison Conditions

Sarkozy was placed in isolation due to safety concerns in a space of about nine sq metres featuring a personal bathroom at La Santé prison in Paris. Security personnel were stationed in an adjacent room.

Reports indicated his diet consisted solely dairy snacks while inside worried that meals provided might have been spat on. Options were available to prepare his own meals but refused this, based on unnamed sources. It is uncertain if he will detail his dietary choices.

Defense Viewpoint

Sarkozy’s lawyer, who visited his client every day throughout the jail term, informed the court he would be safer outside jail rather than in custody. “He received threats against his life, listened to yells during nighttime and the urgent intervention next door as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Legal Proceedings

Sarkozy went to prison on 21 October when the judiciary gave him five years in prison for criminal conspiracy over a scheme to secure election financing for his 2007 presidential race.

He disputes the charges challenging the decision, and a fresh trial set for next spring.