Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is set to release a revealing book about his recent imprisonment, offering an intimate look at his 20 days behind bars at Paris's notorious La Santé prison.
From Élysée Palace to Prison Cell
The 70-year-old former leader, who served as France's president between 2007 and 2012, became the first former head of an EU country and the first postwar French leader to serve time in prison. Sarkozy entered prison on 21 October after receiving a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy related to obtaining campaign funds from the regime of late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi during his 2007 presidential race.
The book, titled A Prisoner's Diary, will be published next month, just weeks after Sarkozy's release from custody while he appeals against his conviction. His lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, successfully argued that Sarkozy would be safer outside prison than inside, citing death threats and concerning incidents during his detention.
Life in Solitary Confinement
Sarkozy was held in solitary confinement for his own security in a cell measuring approximately nine square metres at La Santé prison. The former president described his experience as "gruelling" and "a nightmare" during his release request hearing, where he appeared by video link from prison.
In extracts from his forthcoming book, Sarkozy writes: "In prison there is nothing to see, and nothing to do." He particularly complains about the constant noise, stating: "I forget silence, which doesn't exist in La Santé, where there is a lot to hear. The noise is alas constant."
Despite the challenges, Sarkozy found some philosophical perspective, noting that "just like the desert, inner life is fortified in prison."
Prison Routine and Security Concerns
The French news weekly Le Point reported concerning details about Sarkozy's prison experience, including that he ate only yoghurts during his detention because he feared other food might have been tampered with. Although he had facilities to cook for himself, he reportedly refused this option.
Security was a significant concern throughout his imprisonment. Two bodyguards occupied a neighbouring cell, and his lawyer revealed that Sarkozy "has faced death threats, has heard screaming at night and the urgent intervention in a neighbouring cell when a prisoner self-harmed."
Before entering jail, Sarkozy had announced his intention to write a book during his time in prison. It remains uncertain whether he managed to read the three books he took with him: a biography of Jesus and Alexandre Dumas's classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo, which tells the story of an innocent man sentenced to jail who later escapes to seek revenge.
Sarkozy continues to deny any wrongdoing and has appealed against the verdict. A fresh trial is scheduled for next spring, where he will continue to fight the charges that led to his historic imprisonment.
