The Former French President to Pen Jail Diary Detailing His 20 Days Behind Bars
The ex-president of France plans a personal account in the coming weeks titled Diary of a Prisoner, which recounts the period served in custody.
This news emerged less than two weeks following the former president gained freedom while his appeal proceeds the guilty verdict related to criminal conspiracy connected to efforts to secure political financing linked to the leadership of the late Libyan dictator.
Prison Experience: Personal Reflections
“Inside jail there is nothing to see, and nothing to do,” he writes in a preview, indicating the book will focus on his thoughts during seclusion instead of extensive analysis of the overcrowded and troubled French prison system.
“I forget silence, which doesn’t exist in that facility, where noise is constant sound,” he continues. “The noise is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world grows stronger behind bars.”
Court Appearance: Recounting the Hardship
During his plea for freedom, he was present via screen from inside the facility, depicting prison life as gruelling. He expressed in court: “I wish to commend the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, and who helped make this ordeal manageable – because it is a nightmare.”
“It never crossed my mind at this stage of life, I’d be in prison. It’s a trial forced upon me. I admit it’s difficult, it’s very hard. It affects one every inmate due to its intensity.”
First of Its Kind
Sarkozy, the ex-head of state for a five-year term, set a precedent as ex-leader from the EU and the first leader since WWII of France to serve time in prison.
Prior to imprisonment he mentioned he would use his time to compose an account.
Books in Prison
It is not certain whether he had time to read and critique the texts he brought with him: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, in which a wrongfully accused individual is imprisoned but escapes to seek vengeance.
Life in Confinement
He remained in isolation for his own security in a cell approximately nine square meters featuring a personal bathroom at La Santé prison located in the capital. Security personnel occupied the next cell.
It was stated that he consumed solely dairy snacks in prison because he feared meals provided might have been spat on. Options were available to cook for himself yet he declined, based on unnamed sources. It is uncertain whether Sarkozy will write about what he ate in prison.
Defense Viewpoint
His attorney, who saw him regularly every day while he was in prison, stated during proceedings security would be better out of prison rather than in custody. “He received threats against his life, has heard screaming at night and the urgent intervention in a neighbouring cell when a prisoner self-harmed.”
Charges and Sentence
His incarceration began on 21 October when a French court gave him a half-decade term for criminal conspiracy related to a plan to obtain campaign funds for his presidential bid.
He maintains his innocence challenging the decision, and another court case planned for the coming spring.