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Nicolas Sarkozy plans a book this autumn named Notes from a Cell, which recounts the period served behind bars.

The revelation emerged just 11 days following the ex-leader was released as he contests the court ruling on charges of criminal conspiracy in a case to obtain presidential race money from the leadership of former Libyan leader.

Prison Experience: Personal Reflections

“In prison visibility is limited, and activities are scarce,” he reflects in an extract, implying the book will focus on his musings during seclusion instead of a broader observation of the overcrowded and struggling jail system in France.

“Quiet is absent, not present in that facility, where one hears endless commotion,” he states. “The noise is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, inner life is fortified behind bars.”

Court Appearance: Describing the Ordeal

While appealing for release, he participated by video link from his cell, characterizing his incarceration as gruelling. He stated to the judge: “I wish to commend those working in the jail, who are exceptionally humane, and who have made this nightmare tolerable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“I didn’t expect that at 70 years of age, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s an ordeal forced upon me. I admit it’s difficult, it’s very hard. It affects one on any prisoner because it’s gruelling.”

Historical Context

Sarkozy, who served as France’s president for a five-year term, became the inaugural past president from the EU and the initial post-WWII figure of France to experience jail.

Before entering jail he had said he would use his time to write a book.

Cell Library

It is not certain if he found the opportunity to read and critique the volumes he had in his cell: a life story of Jesus spanning two books and Alexandre Dumas’s novel the famous story, in which an innocent man ends up incarcerated then breaks out to take revenge.

Daily Reality

He remained in isolation due to safety concerns in a room of about nine sq metres featuring a personal bathroom at La Santé prison located in the capital. Two bodyguards stayed in a neighbouring cell.

It was stated that he consumed only yoghurts in prison because he feared prison cuisine might have been spat on. Options were available for self-catering yet he declined, based on unnamed sources. Not known is if he will detail meals during incarceration.

Defense Viewpoint

His attorney, who saw him regularly each day during the incarceration, told the release hearing security would be better released compared to inside. “He received menacing messages, listened to yells at night plus rapid actions in an adjacent room as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Charges and Sentence

Sarkozy went to prison in late October after a French court gave him five years in prison for criminal conspiracy related to a plan to acquire election financing during his election campaign.

He denies wrongdoing and has appealed against the verdict, and a fresh trial is scheduled for next spring.