UPDATE: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has just released his memoir, “Diary of a Prisoner,” detailing his shocking experience during 20 days in solitary confinement at a Paris prison. The book, published less than three weeks ago, unveils the stark reality of his imprisonment following his conviction for conspiracy to finance his election campaign.
Sarkozy, serving time in a 12-square-meter cell at the Santé Prison, describes conditions that he claims were surprisingly comfortable. He notes, “It was clean and bright,” and humorously adds that if it weren’t for the heavily reinforced door with a peephole, one might mistake it for a “two-star hotel.” This candid insight into his incarceration sheds light on a former leader’s fall from grace.
According to reports from BBC and N1, Sarkozy’s cell included a bed, a desk, a refrigerator, a shower, and a television. Yet, the view was obstructed by a massive plastic panel, isolating him further from the outside world. He was required to stay in his cell for 23 hours each day, with minimal contact allowed only with prison staff.
Sarkozy chose not to take advantage of daily exercise in the prison yard, describing it as more of a “cage” than a place for relaxation. Instead, he opted for treadmill workouts in a small exercise room, which he referred to as a “true oasis” during his confinement.
The former president’s nights were disrupted by a noisy neighbor from the adjacent cell, who, according to Sarkozy, sang songs from “The Lion King” and banged a spoon against the bars. Despite these disturbances, Sarkozy expressed gratitude for the “kindness and respect” shown by the guards, all of whom addressed him as “President.”
Sarkozy’s memoir spans 216 pages and touches on various aspects of his life during imprisonment, including the emotional support he received through letters and postcards from well-wishers. He was released from prison in November 2023, just three weeks after starting his sentence, following a request from his lawyers.
In October 2023, a court found Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy for facilitating funds from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi for his 2007 election campaign. While the judge could have allowed him to remain free during the appeal process, the decision was made to incarcerate him immediately.
Sarkozy has continued to deny all allegations, claiming he is a target of a politically motivated faction within the French judicial system. His recent expulsion from the Legion of Honor has further fueled his desire to confront current President Emmanuel Macron, whom he once supported. Sarkozy now asserts that he has “turned the page” but stops short of outright opposition to Macron’s policies.
As the implications of Sarkozy’s revelations unfold, many are left questioning the future of French politics and the judicial system’s integrity. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
