“There is nothing to see or do in prison”. Sarkozy publishes a book about his time behind bars

“There is nothing to see or do in prison. I forget the silence, it doesn’t exist. Unfortunately, the noise is constant there,” Sarkozy complained in the book, which was quoted by TV station TF1. According to the ex-president, a stay in prison “strengthens” a person.

“I did not imagine that at the age of 70 I would know what prison is. Such a punishment was imposed on me,” Sarkozy wrote further. “It’s hard, really hard. It’s certainly true for every prisoner. I’d even say it’s exhausting,” added the former head of the Elysee Palace from 2007 to 2012 in the 216-page publication, which will cost 20.90 euros (507 CZK) and can be ordered now.

In the book, which he started writing on the very first day of his stay in the Paris correctional facility La Santé, the former president praised the guards. “I want to pay tribute to the prison staff who were exceptionally human and made this nightmare of a prison behind bars bearable,” he wrote.

Sarkozy entered prison on October 21 to serve a five-year sentence for alleged criminal conspiracy and illegal financing of the winning presidential campaign in 2007. He allegedly committed this by accepting money from Libya when the North African country was ruled by dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Sarkozy remained in the nine-square-meter cell until November 10, before being released on the condition that he is not allowed to leave France or contact the other defendants, court officials and a number of other people, including Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. He visited Sarkozy in prison.

Sarkozy rejects accusations of illegal financing of the election campaign. He appealed against the verdict of the court of first instance and will defend himself in the appeal proceedings, which are to be held from March 16 to June 3 next year.