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Nicolas Sarkozy plans a memoir this autumn called Notes from a Cell, chronicling his time endured behind bars.

The revelation emerged just 11 days following Sarkozy left prison as he appeals his conviction for unlawful coordination regarding a scheme to acquire election campaign funds from the government of Muammar Gaddafi.

Life Behind Bars: Solitary Musings

“Behind bars there is nothing to see, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in an extract, implying the account is more about his reflections from solitary confinement instead of a broader observation of the strained and crisis-hit French prison system.

“Silence escapes me, not present in that facility, where noise is endless commotion,” he continues. “The din persists relentlessly. But, just like the desert, inner life is strengthened while incarcerated.”

Release Hearing: Sharing the Struggle

During his plea for freedom, Sarkozy was present remotely from a room in prison, characterizing his incarceration as gruelling. He stated to the judge: “I wish to commend the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, and who helped make this difficult experience tolerable – as it truly is one.”

“I never imagined that at 70 years of age, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a hardship forced upon me. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It leaves a mark on any prisoner as it’s exhausting.”

First of Its Kind

Sarkozy, who served as France’s president between 2007 and 2012, was the first past president in the European Union and the first leader since WWII of France to serve time in prison.

Before entering jail he had said he planned to utilize the opportunity to write a book.

Reading Material

Unconfirmed is if he found the opportunity to read and critique the volumes he took into prison: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, where an innocent man is imprisoned later flees to exact retribution.

Prison Conditions

He remained in solitary confinement for his own security in a cell of about nine sq metres featuring a personal bathroom in the Paris jail in the city. Security personnel stayed in an adjacent room.

It was stated that he consumed solely dairy snacks while inside due to concerns prison cuisine could have been tampered with. Options were available to prepare his own meals but he turned this down, according to reports. Not known is if he will detail his dietary choices.

Defense Viewpoint

Sarkozy’s lawyer, who saw him regularly each day while he was in prison, informed the court he would be safer released rather than in custody. “He has faced menacing messages, heard shouts during nighttime and the urgent intervention next door when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Case Background

He entered custody in late October when the judiciary imposed a half-decade term for illegal collaboration in connection with efforts to secure political donations during his election campaign.

He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the verdict, and a fresh trial set for next spring.