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The ex-president of France will soon publish a memoir next month named Diary of a Prisoner, chronicling his time served behind bars.

The announcement emerged shortly following the ex-leader gained freedom as he appeals the guilty verdict for unlawful coordination in a case to obtain election campaign funds provided by the government of former Libyan leader.

Time in Custody: Personal Reflections

“In prison one sees little, with little to occupy time,” he writes in a preview, indicating the account will focus on his musings from isolation rather than extensive analysis on the overcrowded and crisis-hit jail system in France.

“Silence escapes me, not present at the prison, where there is constant sound,” he adds. “The noise is alas constant. However, akin to empty spaces, personal reflection grows stronger behind bars.”

Court Appearance: Recounting the Hardship

During his plea for freedom, he was present remotely from inside the facility, depicting prison life as exhausting. He had told the court: “I want to pay tribute those working in the jail, showing great humanity, and who helped make this difficult experience bearable – as it truly is one.”

“I didn’t expect that in my seventies, I’d be in prison. It’s a hardship I must endure. I admit it’s difficult, it’s very hard. It leaves a mark all who experience it because it’s gruelling.”

First of Its Kind

Sarkozy, who served as France’s president between 2007 and 2012, set a precedent as ex-leader of an EU country and the first leader since WWII in the French Republic to experience jail.

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

Books in Prison

Unconfirmed is whether he had time to review and analyze the three books he had in his cell: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, in which a blameless person ends up incarcerated later flees to seek vengeance.

Daily Reality

The former leader was placed in isolation for his own security in a cell approximately nine square meters including private facilities at La Santé prison in Paris. Guards occupied a neighbouring cell.

It was stated his diet consisted only yoghurts during his stay because he feared prison cuisine might have been spat on. Although he had access to prepare his own meals but refused this, according to reports. Unclear remains if the memoir includes meals during incarceration.

Defense Viewpoint

Sarkozy’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain every day while he was in prison, informed the court he would be safer out of prison rather than in custody. “There were threats against his life, heard shouts after dark and the urgent intervention in an adjacent room as a detainee harmed themselves.”

Legal Proceedings

His incarceration began on 21 October following a French court sentenced him to a five-year sentence for illegal collaboration in connection with efforts to acquire election financing for his presidential bid.

He maintains his innocence challenging the decision, with a new trial is scheduled for early next year.