In early morning raids throughout France, authorities arrested 25 individuals amid a spate of violent attacks on prisons and prison officers, which the Justice Minister attributes to gangs retaliating against government anti-drug policies.
Nationwide Police Raids in France Following Escalating Prison Attacks
Nationwide Police Raids in France Following Escalating Prison Attacks
Coordinated police operations across France see 25 arrests linked to a series of violent assaults on prison facilities and staff.
In a dramatic response to a surge in violent attacks targeting prisons and their staff, French authorities executed a series of early morning raids leading to the arrest of 25 individuals across the nation. The operations unfolded in various cities including Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lyon as police responded to incidents that allegedly involved organized gangs retaliating against government efforts to crack down on drug trafficking.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin characterized the assaults, which occurred over five nights earlier this month, as "terrorist attacks," detailing incidents where cars belonging to prison officers were set ablaze and gunfire was exchanged at two prison facilities. Notably, on April 15, gunmen reportedly unleashed a barrage of gunfire at the entrance of La Farlede prison in Toulon using Kalashnikov rifles.
According to reports, since April 13, there have been at least 65 documented attacks targeting prisons or their personnel, prompting increased vigilance from law enforcement. A radical group claiming to advocate for prisoners' rights has allegedly taken responsibility for these violent incidents through posts on the Telegram platform.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to ensure that all responsible parties are apprehended and held accountable, as the nation's anti-terror prosecutors spearhead the investigation. Among the arrests made, some were executed within prison walls, targeting suspected leaders believed to have orchestrated the violent events.
In response to these developments, Minister Darmanin reaffirmed the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law in its unyielding battle against drug-related crime. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau commended the swift and professional actions of investigators that enabled rapid results in such challenging circumstances.
As the situation escalates, French lawmakers are poised to vote on a new bill this week aimed at establishing a special prosecutor’s office with enhanced authority for probing drug-related criminal activities.
