The Former French President to Pen Prison Memoir Documenting Three Weeks In Custody
Nicolas Sarkozy plans a personal account next month named A Prisoner’s Diary, detailing his experience endured behind bars.
This news came just 11 days following the former president was released as he contests the guilty verdict on charges of illegal collaboration connected to efforts to secure presidential race money from the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.
Time in Custody: Personal Reflections
“In prison one sees little, with little to occupy time,” he reflects in one passage, indicating the memoir will focus on his reflections during isolation as opposed to wider commentary regarding the strained and troubled jail system in France.
“Silence escapes me, which doesn’t exist at the prison, where noise is a lot to hear,” he adds. “The din is alas constant. But, just like the desert, personal reflection is strengthened while incarcerated.”
Court Appearance: Describing the Ordeal
While appealing for release, he had appeared by video link from his cell, characterizing his incarceration as gruelling. He stated to the judge: “I wish to commend the correctional officers, who are exceptionally humane, easing this nightmare bearable – because it is a nightmare.”
“I never imagined at this stage of life, I’d be in prison. It’s a hardship forced upon me. I confess it’s hard, extremely tough. It affects one all who experience it due to its intensity.”
First of Its Kind
He, who led the nation between 2007 and 2012, was the first ex-leader from the EU and the initial post-WWII figure in the French Republic to experience jail.
Before entering jail he declared he would use his time to compose an account.
Books in Prison
Unconfirmed is whether he had time to read and critique the three books he had in his cell: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, in which a wrongfully accused individual is sentenced to jail later flees to take revenge.
Prison Conditions
Sarkozy remained in isolation for his own security in a cell approximately nine square meters featuring a personal bathroom at La Santé prison in Paris. Two bodyguards were stationed in the next cell.
It was stated that he consumed solely dairy snacks while inside because he feared meals provided may have been contaminated. Although he had access to cook for himself but he turned this down, as per accounts. Unclear remains if the memoir includes what he ate in prison.
Lawyer’s Statements
The legal representative, who visited his client every day throughout the jail term, stated during proceedings his safety would improve released compared to inside. “He has faced menacing messages, listened to yells at night and the urgent intervention in a neighbouring cell as a detainee harmed themselves.”
Charges and Sentence
His incarceration began in late October after a French court imposed a five-year sentence for illegal collaboration in connection with efforts to secure election financing for his 2007 presidential race.
He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the verdict, and another court case is scheduled for next spring.
