Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has released a new book titled "A Prisoner's Diary," detailing his 20-day incarceration. The 216-page memoir was published less than three weeks after his release, which occurred last month.
Details of Imprisonment
Sarkozy, identified as prisoner number 320535, was held in a 12-square-meter cell at La Santé prison in Paris. The cell was equipped with a bed, desk, fridge, shower, and television. While a window was present, its view was obstructed by an external plastic panel. Sarkozy described the cell as "clean and light enough," noting the reinforced door and eye-hole for guards.
He was required to spend 23 hours daily in his cell, with contact restricted to prison employees. Sarkozy opted against using the prison yard for exercise, describing it as "more like a cage." Instead, he utilized a running machine in the prison's sports room.
The book recounts observations from his time, including a cell neighbor singing a song and rattling a spoon. Sarkozy also noted what he described as "the kindness, delicacy and respect of the prison staff," who addressed him by the title "Président." He stated that he received numerous postcards of support, which he displayed on his cell walls.
Context of Conviction and Claims
Sarkozy, 70, was released last month after serving 20 days of a five-year sentence. His imprisonment followed a court conviction for criminal association. The charge related to allowing subordinates to attempt to raise election campaign funds from Libya's Colonel Gaddafi approximately 20 years prior.
The judge, despite the possibility of allowing Sarkozy to remain at liberty pending appeal, ordered his incarceration. He was released three weeks later following a plea from his legal team.
In the memoir, Sarkozy reiterates his denial of the charges, asserting that he is the victim of a politically motivated faction within the French justice system. He draws a comparison between his situation and that of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer falsely accused of espionage. Sarkozy cites alleged similarities such as the origin of charges from "fake documents," public degradation, and imprisonment in La Santé prison.