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Nicolas Sarkozy is preparing a book next month called A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts his experience served in custody.

The revelation was made just 11 days following the ex-leader gained freedom as his appeal proceeds the court ruling for illegal collaboration in a case to secure presidential race money provided by the leadership of former Libyan leader.

Prison Experience: Inner Thoughts

“Inside jail one sees little, with little to occupy time,” he reflects in an extract, suggesting the account will focus on his musings during seclusion rather than extensive analysis on the overcrowded and troubled jail system in France.

“Silence escapes me, which is missing at the prison, where one hears endless commotion,” he adds. “The noise is alas constant. However, akin to empty spaces, personal reflection grows stronger in prison.”

Freedom Plea: Describing the Ordeal

While appealing for release, the former leader was present via screen from inside the facility, describing his time inside as exhausting. He had told the court: “I wish to commend those working in the jail, who are exceptionally humane, and who have made this difficult experience tolerable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“I didn’t expect that at 70 years of age, I’d be in prison. It’s a hardship that has been imposed on me. I admit it’s difficult, it’s very hard. It affects one every inmate because it’s gruelling.”

First of Its Kind

Sarkozy, who led the nation for a five-year term, became the inaugural past president of an EU country and the first leader since WWII of France to experience jail.

Prior to imprisonment he declared he planned to utilize the opportunity to write a book.

Reading Material

It is not certain whether he had time to read and critique the texts he brought with him: a biography of Jesus in two parts and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the classic tale, in which a wrongfully accused individual is sentenced to jail but escapes to exact retribution.

Life in Confinement

The former leader was held in solitary confinement due to safety concerns in a cell roughly 100 square feet featuring a personal bathroom in the Paris jail located in the capital. Security personnel were stationed in the next cell.

It was stated that he consumed just yogurt while inside due to concerns any food might have been spat on. Options were available for self-catering but refused this, according to reports. Unclear remains if the memoir includes his dietary choices.

Lawyer’s Statements

The legal representative, who saw him regularly daily during the incarceration, told the release hearing his safety would improve outside jail rather than in custody. “He received menacing messages, heard shouts at night plus rapid actions next door as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Case Background

Sarkozy went to prison in late October when the judiciary imposed a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy over a scheme to secure campaign funds for his presidential bid.

He maintains his innocence challenging the decision, and a fresh trial is scheduled for next spring.