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Nicolas Sarkozy is preparing a book this autumn titled A Prisoner’s Diary, chronicling the period endured in custody.

This news came less than two weeks following the ex-leader gained freedom as he appeals the court ruling on charges of unlawful coordination connected to efforts to acquire political financing provided by the leadership of former Libyan leader.

Time in Custody: Personal Reflections

“Inside jail visibility is limited, and nothing to do,” he writes in an extract, implying the memoir will focus on his reflections from seclusion rather than a broader observation on the strained and crisis-hit French prison system.

“Quiet is absent, not present in La Santé, where noise is a lot to hear,” he adds. “The noise is alas constant. But, just like the desert, one’s inner world is fortified in prison.”

Release Hearing: Recounting the Hardship

While appealing for release, he participated remotely from a room in prison, describing his time inside as exhausting. He stated to the judge: “I must acknowledge those working in the jail, displaying remarkable compassion, easing this ordeal bearable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“It never crossed my mind that at 70 years of age, I would end up incarcerated. It’s an ordeal that has been imposed on me. I admit it’s difficult, extremely tough. It affects one on any prisoner as it’s exhausting.”

Unprecedented Situation

Sarkozy, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, became the inaugural ex-leader from the EU and the first leader since WWII of France to experience jail.

Prior to imprisonment he mentioned he would use his time to write a book.

Books in Prison

It remains unclear did he manage to go through the three books he brought with him: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo, where a wrongfully accused individual ends up incarcerated later flees to seek vengeance.

Daily Reality

He was placed in isolation to protect him in a space approximately nine square meters including private facilities at La Santé prison in Paris. Security personnel were stationed in the next cell.

It was stated that he had eaten just yogurt while inside worried that any food may have been contaminated. Options were available to prepare his own meals yet he declined, based on unnamed sources. Unclear remains if he will detail meals during incarceration.

Legal Perspective

His attorney, who saw him regularly daily throughout the jail term, told the release hearing his safety would improve outside jail rather than in custody. “There were threats against his life, listened to yells during nighttime and emergency responses next door during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Charges and Sentence

Sarkozy went to prison last month following a French court sentenced him to a half-decade term for illegal collaboration in connection with efforts to secure campaign funds for his 2007 presidential race.

He disputes the charges challenging the decision, and a fresh trial is scheduled for early next year.