Nighttime Assaults Surge in French Prisons: What You Need to Know

Overnight, several French prisons came under attack, with vehicles set ablaze and one facility hit by gunfire. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin labeled these incidents as attempts to intimidate the state. He tied them to ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Attacks took place at seven prisons across France, including in Toulon and Marseille. The national anti-terrorism prosecutor is now investigating the situation. Darmanin made a visit to the Toulon prison to show support to the officers. While he didn’t blame any specific group, he emphasized the government’s commitment to disrupting criminal networks involved in drug trafficking.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called for an unwavering response, stating that those who attack prisons should be locked away and closely monitored. He also directed police to enhance security at prison facilities.

The prison guard union, FO Justice, expressed alarm at these attacks and shared images of the damage on social media. They are urgently calling for action to safeguard prison staff. Notably, this wave of violence followed a weekend incident where seven vehicles were burned at the national school of prison administration.

Concerns are growing that attacking prisons and their staff signifies a direct assault on state authority. So far, no group has claimed responsibility, but some damaged vehicles bore the initials DDPF, which stands for "French prisoners’ rights." Additionally, anarchist slogans were found at some attack scenes, indicating possible motives behind the assaults.

These incidents have raised significant alarms across France. Recent statistics show that drug-related crimes have surged, with drug use increasing among young people. This situation highlights the urgent need for effective measures to combat not only drug trafficking but also the violence associated with it.

As the government pushes forward with new legislation aiming to establish a special prosecutor for drug-related offenses, the stakes are higher than ever. The atmosphere surrounding these prisons remains tense as officials navigate this complex issue, aiming for safety and order.

For a deeper understanding of the drug crisis in France, you can explore resources from the French Ministry of Justice here.

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