Nicolas Sarkozy to Pen Prison Memoir Chronicling His 20 Days In Custody
The ex-president of France will soon publish a personal account next month titled Diary of a Prisoner, chronicling his time spent in custody.
This news was made just 11 days following Sarkozy was released as he contests his conviction related to criminal conspiracy connected to efforts to acquire presidential race money from the leadership of Muammar Gaddafi.
Life Behind Bars: Solitary Musings
“In prison visibility is limited, with little to occupy time,” he reflects in one passage, implying the account is more about his reflections from solitary confinement rather than a broader observation on the strained and crisis-hit jail system in France.
“Quiet is absent, which doesn’t exist in that facility, where noise is a lot to hear,” he continues. “The noise persists relentlessly. Yet, similar to barren lands, inner life grows stronger in prison.”
Court Appearance: Describing the Ordeal
While appealing for release, Sarkozy had appeared remotely from inside the facility, describing his time inside as gruelling. He expressed in court: “I must acknowledge to all the prison staff, displaying remarkable compassion, and who have made this nightmare bearable – since it’s deeply troubling.”
“I didn’t expect that at 70 years of age, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s a hardship forced upon me. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It has an impact every inmate as it’s exhausting.”
Unprecedented Situation
He, the ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012, set a precedent as past president from the EU and the first leader since WWII from France to experience jail.
Before entering jail he declared he intended to spend the period to compose an account.
Cell Library
It is not certain did he manage to read and critique the texts he had in his cell: a two-volume biography of Jesus plus the novel by Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo, in which a blameless person is imprisoned later flees to exact retribution.
Daily Reality
The former leader remained in solitary confinement to protect him in a room roughly 100 square feet with his own shower and toilet in the Paris jail located in the capital. Guards occupied the next cell.
Sources mentioned his diet consisted just yogurt during his stay due to concerns meals provided might have been spat on. Although he had access to cook for himself but refused this, according to reports. Not known is if he will detail meals during incarceration.
Lawyer’s Statements
His attorney, Christophe Ingrain each day during the incarceration, stated during proceedings he would be safer out of prison rather than in custody. “He has faced threats against his life, has heard screaming after dark and the urgent intervention next door during an inmate’s self-injury.”
Legal Proceedings
His incarceration began on 21 October after a French court imposed a five-year sentence for illegal collaboration in connection with efforts to secure election financing for his presidential bid.
He disputes the charges and has appealed against the verdict, and another court case planned for next spring.
