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The ex-president of France plans a personal account next month named A Prisoner’s Diary, detailing his experience served behind bars.

This news came just 11 days following the ex-leader left prison as he appeals the court ruling related to criminal conspiracy in a case to secure election campaign funds linked to the leadership of former Libyan leader.

Prison Experience: Inner Thoughts

“Inside jail one sees little, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in an extract, implying the memoir centers around his reflections from seclusion as opposed to wider commentary regarding the packed and struggling French prison system.

“Quiet is absent, which doesn’t exist in that facility, where there is endless commotion,” he continues. “The din unfortunately never stops. But, just like the desert, inner life is fortified behind bars.”

Freedom Plea: Describing the Ordeal

At his release request hearing, he had appeared by video link from inside the facility, depicting prison life as draining. He expressed in court: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, who are exceptionally humane, easing this ordeal bearable – because it is a nightmare.”

“I never imagined that at 70 years of age, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a hardship I must endure. I admit it’s difficult, deeply straining. It affects one all who experience it as it’s exhausting.”

First of Its Kind

The former president, the ex-head of state between 2007 and 2012, set a precedent as former head in the European Union and the initial post-WWII figure from France to serve time in prison.

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

Cell Library

It remains unclear did he manage to review and analyze the texts he brought with him: a two-volume biography of Jesus and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the famous story, in which a blameless person is imprisoned later flees to seek vengeance.

Prison Conditions

The former leader was held secluded for his own security in a room approximately nine square meters with his own shower and toilet at the correctional facility in Paris. Two bodyguards occupied a neighbouring cell.

It was stated that he had eaten solely dairy snacks in prison because he feared any food could have been tampered with. Although he had access to prepare his own meals but he turned this down, as per accounts. It is uncertain whether Sarkozy will write about his dietary choices.

Lawyer’s Statements

Sarkozy’s lawyer, who saw him regularly every day during the incarceration, stated during proceedings security would be better out of prison than inside. “He received menacing messages, listened to yells at night and emergency responses in a neighbouring cell as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Case Background

His incarceration began in late October following a Paris court gave him a half-decade term for illegal collaboration related to a plan to obtain political donations for his presidential bid.

He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the verdict, with a new trial set for early next year.