Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is serving his sentence in a 9-square-meter cell in the so-called "VIP" wing of La Santé prison in Paris, following a court ruling that found him guilty of illegal financing of the 2007 election campaign, a case linked to the regime of former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
Sarkozy, 70, is the first former French president to be jailed since Marshal Philippe Pétain, who collaborated with the Nazis during World War II. His sentence is five years in prison, part of which will be served in closed prison, while the rest can be converted to house arrest or electronic monitoring, depending on the later decision of the judicial authorities.
French media have published photos of Sarkozy's cell, which is equipped with a bed, desk, small shower, toilet, a window and a television, for which he pays 14 euros a month. He also has an electric stove, as well as limited access to the gym and library.
In the small 9 square meter environment, the former president has placed ten personal photographs, to make the space warmer and more familiar.
According to the French daily Le Figaro, Nicolas Sarkozy took with him three books – the maximum number allowed for prisoners at the entrance to the institution. Among them are two volumes of “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas and “The Biography of Jesus” by Jean-Christian Petitfils. The choice of these books is not accidental. “The Count of Monte Cristo” tells the story of Edmond Dantès, a man who is unjustly imprisoned and prepares his revenge – a clear parallel to Sarkozy’s feeling, who continues to publicly declare that he is innocent and the victim of a political process. On the other hand, “The Biography of Jesus” presents a historical approach to the figure of Christ, far from religious interpretations, and for many symbolizes the balance between revenge and forgiveness, a deliberate contrast to Dumas’ book.
Before surrendering to authorities, Sarkozy said that “an innocent man is being taken to prison.” He has filed a request for early release, but according to French media, the court could take up to two months to consider the application.
Meanwhile, the former president has announced that he will use this period to write a new book, following his long tradition as an author and political commentator.
La Santé prison, built in the 19th century, is one of the oldest and most secure institutions in France. It houses high-profile prisoners under strict security conditions. In the past, it has served its sentence on internationally renowned figures, including the notorious terrorist Carlos “The Jackal,” who carried out terrorist acts in the 1970s.
