🔗 Share this article The Former French President to Pen Jail Diary Chronicling His 20 Days Behind Bars Nicolas Sarkozy is preparing a book this autumn named Notes from a Cell, chronicling his time served in custody. The revelation emerged just 11 days after the ex-leader was released while his appeal proceeds the guilty verdict on charges of unlawful coordination connected to efforts to obtain political financing from the leadership of former Libyan leader. Time in Custody: Solitary Musings “Inside jail one sees little, and nothing to do,” he writes in an extract, implying the book will focus on his musings during isolation rather than wider commentary regarding the overcrowded and struggling correctional facilities in the country. “I forget silence, not present at the prison, where one hears a lot to hear,” he states. “The din unfortunately never stops. However, akin to empty spaces, personal reflection is strengthened while incarcerated.” Court Appearance: Sharing the Struggle During his plea for freedom, the former leader participated via screen from his cell, describing his time inside as gruelling. He stated to the judge: “I wish to commend those working in the jail, who are exceptionally humane, and who helped make this ordeal manageable – since it’s deeply troubling.” “It never crossed my mind that in my seventies, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a hardship forced upon me. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It leaves a mark all who experience it due to its intensity.” Historical Context He, who led the nation between 2007 and 2012, set a precedent as past president in the European Union and the initial post-WWII figure in the French Republic to experience jail. Before entering jail he mentioned he planned to utilize the opportunity to write a book. Reading Material Unconfirmed is whether he had time to review and analyze the texts he had in his cell: a life story of Jesus spanning two books and Alexandre Dumas’s novel The Count of Monte Cristo, a plot where a wrongfully accused individual is imprisoned later flees to take revenge. Prison Conditions The former leader remained in isolation for his own security in a room of about nine sq metres including private facilities at La Santé prison in Paris. Guards stayed in an adjacent room. It was stated his diet consisted only yoghurts during his stay because he feared prison cuisine could have been tampered with. He had facilities to cook for himself but refused this, according to reports. It is uncertain if he will detail what he ate in prison. Defense Viewpoint Sarkozy’s lawyer, who saw him regularly each day while he was in prison, told the release hearing his safety would improve out of prison rather than in custody. “He has faced menacing messages, listened to yells at night and emergency responses in a neighbouring cell when a prisoner self-harmed.” Legal Proceedings He entered custody on 21 October when a Paris court imposed a five-year sentence on conspiracy charges related to a plan to acquire political donations during his election campaign. He denies wrongdoing challenging the decision, and a fresh trial is scheduled for next spring.