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Nicolas Sarkozy plans a memoir in the coming weeks called A Prisoner’s Diary, which recounts his experience served in custody.

This news was made shortly following the ex-leader was released as he contests his conviction for illegal collaboration in a case to acquire presidential race money provided by the regime of former Libyan leader.

Prison Experience: Inner Thoughts

“Behind bars there is nothing to see, with little to occupy time,” he reflects in a preview, indicating the book centers around his reflections from seclusion rather than a broader observation on the packed and troubled correctional facilities in the country.

“I forget silence, which is missing in that facility, where there is a lot to hear,” he continues. “The racket is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world grows stronger in prison.”

Court Appearance: Sharing the Struggle

During his plea for freedom, he participated remotely from a room in prison, characterizing his incarceration as gruelling. He had told the court: “I want to pay tribute those working in the jail, who are exceptionally humane, and who helped make this ordeal tolerable – because it is a nightmare.”

“It never crossed my mind at this stage of life, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a trial that has been imposed on me. I admit it’s difficult, deeply straining. It affects one on any prisoner as it’s exhausting.”

First of Its Kind

He, who led the nation for a five-year term, set a precedent as ex-leader in the European Union and the first leader since WWII from France to serve time in prison.

Prior to imprisonment he declared he would use his time to compose an account.

Books in Prison

It is not certain if he found the opportunity to read and critique the three books he had in his cell: a life story of Jesus spanning two books together with Dumas’s work the classic tale, where an innocent man is imprisoned but escapes to seek vengeance.

Life in Confinement

He remained secluded to protect him in a cell of about nine sq metres featuring a personal bathroom in the Paris jail located in the capital. Guards stayed in a neighbouring cell.

Sources mentioned that he consumed just yogurt in prison due to concerns meals provided may have been contaminated. Options were available to cook for himself but refused this, as per accounts. It is uncertain if he will detail meals during incarceration.

Defense Viewpoint

The legal representative, who saw him regularly every day throughout the jail term, stated during proceedings security would be better out of prison rather than in custody. “He has faced menacing messages, listened to yells at night and the urgent intervention next door when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Charges and Sentence

His incarceration began last month after a Paris court imposed five years in prison for illegal collaboration over a scheme to acquire campaign funds for his presidential bid.

He disputes the charges and has appealed against the verdict, and another court case is scheduled for the coming spring.