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The ex-president of France is preparing a book this autumn named Notes from a Cell, detailing his experience endured in jail.

The revelation was made just 11 days following Sarkozy was released as his appeal proceeds his conviction on charges of illegal collaboration in a case to acquire political financing linked to the government of former Libyan leader.

Time in Custody: Inner Thoughts

“In prison one sees little, and nothing to do,” he notes in a preview, indicating the memoir will focus on his musings while in isolation rather than extensive analysis of the overcrowded and crisis-hit jail system in France.

“Quiet is absent, which doesn’t exist at the prison, where one hears a lot to hear,” he continues. “The racket persists relentlessly. Yet, similar to barren lands, personal reflection is strengthened in prison.”

Freedom Plea: Recounting the Hardship

At his release request hearing, Sarkozy participated remotely from a room in prison, describing his time inside as draining. He had told the court: “I must acknowledge those working in the jail, who are exceptionally humane, and who have made this nightmare tolerable – as it truly is one.”

“It never crossed my mind at this stage of life, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s a trial that has been imposed on me. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It affects one every inmate due to its intensity.”

Historical Context

Sarkozy, who served as France’s president for a five-year term, became the inaugural ex-leader from the EU and the initial post-WWII figure in the French Republic to be incarcerated.

Prior to imprisonment he mentioned he would use his time for authoring a memoir.

Cell Library

It remains unclear if he found the opportunity to go through the volumes he had in his cell: a life story of Jesus spanning two books and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the classic tale, in which a blameless person is imprisoned later flees to seek vengeance.

Daily Reality

Sarkozy remained secluded due to safety concerns in a room approximately nine square meters featuring a personal bathroom at La Santé prison in the city. Guards occupied the next cell.

Sources mentioned that he consumed only yoghurts during his stay due to concerns any food could have been tampered with. He had facilities to prepare his own meals but he turned this down, as per accounts. Unclear remains if he will detail his dietary choices.

Defense Viewpoint

The legal representative, who saw him regularly daily during the incarceration, told the release hearing he would be safer outside jail rather than in custody. “He received threats against his life, has heard screaming during nighttime and the urgent intervention in a neighbouring cell during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Legal Proceedings

His incarceration began last month following the judiciary gave him five years in prison on conspiracy charges over a scheme to secure political donations during his election campaign.

He disputes the charges challenging the decision, and another court case is scheduled for the coming spring.