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The ex-president of France plans a personal account in the coming weeks named A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts the period spent in custody.

The revelation emerged shortly after the ex-leader was released as his appeal proceeds the court ruling for unlawful coordination connected to efforts to secure election campaign funds linked to the regime of former Libyan leader.

Life Behind Bars: Personal Reflections

“Behind bars there is nothing to see, with little to occupy time,” he writes in a preview, implying the account will focus on his reflections from solitary confinement rather than extensive analysis regarding the packed and troubled jail system in France.

“Quiet is absent, not present in that facility, where there is endless commotion,” he states. “The racket is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world grows stronger in prison.”

Release Hearing: Describing the Ordeal

While appealing for release, the former leader participated via screen from his cell, characterizing his incarceration as draining. He stated to the judge: “I wish to commend the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, and who helped make this nightmare bearable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“It never crossed my mind at this stage of life, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a trial that has been imposed on me. I admit it’s difficult, it’s very hard. It affects one all who experience it as it’s exhausting.”

First of Its Kind

He, who served as France’s president between 2007 and 2012, set a precedent as ex-leader in the European Union and the first leader since WWII of France to be incarcerated.

Before entering jail he had said he would use his time to compose an account.

Reading Material

Unconfirmed is did he manage to go through the three books he had in his cell: a biography of Jesus in two parts and Alexandre Dumas’s novel The Count of Monte Cristo, a plot where a blameless person is sentenced to jail later flees to seek vengeance.

Life in Confinement

He remained secluded due to safety concerns in a room of about nine sq metres with his own shower and toilet at the correctional facility located in the capital. Security personnel stayed in a neighbouring cell.

It was stated that he had eaten only yoghurts while inside because he feared prison cuisine may have been contaminated. Options were available to prepare his own meals but he turned this down, according to reports. It is uncertain if the memoir includes his dietary choices.

Lawyer’s Statements

Sarkozy’s lawyer, who visited his client daily throughout the jail term, told the release hearing he would be safer outside jail compared to inside. “There were threats against his life, has heard screaming at night plus rapid actions in an adjacent room when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Charges and Sentence

Sarkozy went to prison in late October following a French court imposed five years in prison on conspiracy charges in connection with efforts to acquire campaign funds for his 2007 presidential race.

He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the verdict, and another court case is scheduled for next spring.