Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin condemned the attacks on seven prisons, emphasizing the government's commitment to combating drug-related crime. Authorities are investigating, and security measures are being enhanced in response to the incidents.
Wave of Attacks Target French Prisons Amid Drug Trafficking Crackdown
Wave of Attacks Target French Prisons Amid Drug Trafficking Crackdown
French prisons faced a series of violent attacks, including arson and gunfire, linked to government efforts against drug trafficking.
French prisons have been rocked by a series of overnight attacks, including the setting alight of vehicles and an incident involving gunfire from an automatic weapon. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed that the attacks were aimed at intimidating the facilities, expressing concern for prison staff's safety and linking the violence to the government's ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking.
According to the Parisien newspaper, seven prisons were targeted in locations such as Toulon, Aix-En-Provence, Marseille, Valence, and Nîmes in southern France, as well as Villepinte and Nanterre, close to Paris. In response, France's national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office has commenced an investigation into the coordinated assaults.
Minister Darmanin took to X to communicate his commitment to supporting affected prison officers, particularly at the Toulon prison, which was subjected to gunfire. While he did not assign direct blame for the assaults, he affirmed that the government is resolutely addressing the issue of drug trafficking and taking substantial measures to disrupt criminal operations.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau insisted on a strong response, declaring that those responsible for the attacks should face severe consequences, stating, "Those who attack prisons and officers deserve to be locked up in those prisons." He stressed the importance of enhancing security at prison facilities, instructing police to take immediate action.
The prison guard union, FO Justice, expressed deep concern and outrage at what they labeled "extremely serious" attacks on the institutions. They shared updates via X showcasing the aftermath, including images of burned-out vehicles and bullet damage at the Toulon prison entrance, underlining the dire need for government intervention to safeguard prison staff.
These incidents come on the heels of similar attacks, including the burning of seven vehicles at the national school of prison administration just days prior. FO Justice's statement highlighted the alarming trend of aggressions toward state authority symbols, such as prison properties.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attacks, the Parisien noted that the letters "DDPF," symbolizing "French prisoners' rights," were found on several affected vehicles. Reports from AFP also indicate that anarchist slogans appeared at some locations, suggesting a linked and possibly organized effort intent on undermining the government's anti-drug trafficking stance.
New legislation aimed at enhancing the legal framework to combat drug-related crimes is currently progressing through the French parliament, proposing the creation of a specialized prosecutor's office with expanded powers for investigators.
