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The ex-president of France is preparing a personal account in the coming weeks called Notes from a Cell, detailing his time spent in custody.

This news came just 11 days after the former president was released as he appeals the court ruling related to criminal conspiracy connected to efforts to obtain election campaign funds linked to the leadership of Muammar Gaddafi.

Time in Custody: Personal Reflections

“Inside jail there is nothing to see, with little to occupy time,” he writes in one passage, indicating the book is more about his thoughts during seclusion rather than extensive analysis on the strained and crisis-hit correctional facilities in the country.

“Silence escapes me, not present at the prison, where one hears endless commotion,” he adds. “The racket persists relentlessly. However, akin to empty spaces, inner life is strengthened behind bars.”

Freedom Plea: Describing the Ordeal

During his plea for freedom, the former leader participated by video link from his cell, characterizing his incarceration as draining. He stated to the judge: “I wish to commend those working in the jail, showing great humanity, easing this ordeal bearable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“I never imagined that in my seventies, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s an ordeal that has been imposed on me. I admit it’s difficult, deeply straining. It has an impact all who experience it as it’s exhausting.”

Historical Context

He, who served as France’s president between 2007 and 2012, set a precedent as past president from the EU and the first postwar leader in the French Republic to experience jail.

Ahead of his incarceration he had said he would use his time to write a book.

Books in Prison

It is not certain did he manage to review and analyze the texts he brought with him: a two-volume biography of Jesus plus the novel by Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo, in which a wrongfully accused individual ends up incarcerated later flees to exact retribution.

Daily Reality

Sarkozy remained in solitary confinement to protect him in a room of about nine sq metres featuring a personal bathroom in the Paris jail located in the capital. Two bodyguards occupied an adjacent room.

Reports indicated his diet consisted solely dairy snacks during his stay because he feared meals provided might have been spat on. Although he had access to cook for himself yet he declined, according to reports. Unclear remains if the memoir includes meals during incarceration.

Legal Perspective

His attorney, who saw him regularly each day during the incarceration, told the release hearing he would be safer outside jail rather than in custody. “He has faced death threats, has heard screaming during nighttime and the urgent intervention in a neighbouring cell when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Legal Proceedings

Sarkozy went to prison last month following a French court sentenced him to five years in prison for illegal collaboration in connection with efforts to acquire election financing for his 2007 presidential race.

He disputes the charges and is contesting the ruling, with a new trial set for the coming spring.