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Nicolas Sarkozy plans a book next month named A Prisoner’s Diary, detailing his experience served behind bars.

The announcement was made less than two weeks following Sarkozy was released as he appeals the court ruling related to illegal collaboration regarding a scheme to obtain political financing linked to the government of Muammar Gaddafi.

Time in Custody: Inner Thoughts

“In prison there is nothing to see, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in a preview, suggesting the memoir will focus on his musings from seclusion instead of a broader observation regarding the strained and crisis-hit French prison system.

“Silence escapes me, not present in La Santé, where one hears constant sound,” he states. “The noise persists relentlessly. But, just like the desert, personal reflection is fortified while incarcerated.”

Court Appearance: Sharing the Struggle

While appealing for release, Sarkozy had appeared via screen from inside the facility, depicting prison life as exhausting. He had told the court: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, who are exceptionally humane, easing this nightmare manageable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“I never imagined that at 70 years of age, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s an ordeal forced upon me. It’s challenging, I acknowledge, extremely tough. It has an impact on any prisoner as it’s exhausting.”

Unprecedented Situation

Sarkozy, who led the nation between 2007 and 2012, was the first former head of an EU country and the initial post-WWII figure of France to be incarcerated.

Before entering jail he had said he intended to spend the period to compose an account.

Books in Prison

It is not certain whether he had time to go through the three books he took into prison: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, a plot where an innocent man is sentenced to jail but escapes to exact retribution.

Prison Conditions

He remained in isolation for his own security in a cell approximately nine square meters featuring a personal bathroom at the correctional facility in Paris. Security personnel occupied the next cell.

It was stated his diet consisted only yoghurts while inside due to concerns 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 what he ate in prison.

Defense Viewpoint

Sarkozy’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain each day throughout the jail term, stated during proceedings he would be safer released compared to inside. “There were threats against his life, heard shouts at night and the urgent intervention in a neighbouring cell when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Charges and Sentence

His incarceration began last month after a French court gave him five years in prison for illegal collaboration in connection with efforts to obtain campaign funds for his presidential bid.

He denies wrongdoing and has appealed against the verdict, and a fresh trial set for early next year.