Nicolas Sarkozy Set to Write Prison Memoir Documenting His 20 Days Behind Bars
The ex-president of France plans a memoir in the coming weeks called Notes from a Cell, chronicling his time served in jail.
The revelation was made less than two weeks after Sarkozy gained freedom as he appeals the guilty verdict related to illegal collaboration connected to efforts to obtain election campaign funds provided by the government of former Libyan leader.
Time in Custody: Solitary Musings
“Inside jail visibility is limited, with little to occupy time,” he reflects in a preview, indicating the account centers around his thoughts during seclusion rather than wider commentary of the strained and crisis-hit jail system in France.
“Quiet is absent, not present in La Santé, where noise is a lot to hear,” he adds. “The noise is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, personal reflection is fortified behind bars.”
Court Appearance: Sharing the Struggle
At his release request hearing, he had appeared by video link from inside the facility, depicting prison life as draining. He stated to the judge: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, and who have made this nightmare bearable – as it truly is one.”
“It never crossed my mind that at 70 years of age, I’d be in prison. It’s an ordeal I must endure. I confess it’s hard, extremely tough. It has an impact all who experience it because it’s gruelling.”
Historical Context
Sarkozy, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, set a precedent as past president from the EU and the first leader since WWII of France to be incarcerated.
Before entering jail he mentioned he would use his time to write a book.
Books in Prison
It remains unclear whether he had time to review and analyze the three books he took into prison: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, in which a wrongfully accused individual is imprisoned then breaks out to seek vengeance.
Life in Confinement
Sarkozy was placed in isolation for his own security in a space roughly 100 square feet featuring a personal bathroom at La Santé prison in the city. Security personnel were stationed in the next cell.
Reports indicated that he had eaten only yoghurts while inside worried that prison cuisine may have been contaminated. Options were available for self-catering yet he declined, based on unnamed sources. Not known is if the memoir includes his dietary choices.
Lawyer’s Statements
His attorney, who visited his client each day throughout the jail term, told the release hearing his safety would improve outside jail compared to inside. “There were menacing messages, has heard screaming during nighttime and the urgent intervention in a neighbouring cell when a prisoner self-harmed.”
Legal Proceedings
His incarceration began last month when a Paris court sentenced him to a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy over a scheme to secure campaign funds for his 2007 presidential race.
He disputes the charges and is contesting the ruling, with a new trial set for next spring.
