French police have made 25 arrests following a string of coordinated prison attacks attributed to gang retaliation against drug policy enforcement. The government vows to strengthen measures against drug trafficking and prison violence.
France Intensifies Crackdown on Prison Violence with Nationwide Raids
France Intensifies Crackdown on Prison Violence with Nationwide Raids
In a proactive response to a series of violent attacks on prisons and prison personnel, French authorities conduct early morning raids leading to dozens of arrests.
In the wake of alarming attacks targeting prisons and the homes of prison officers, French law enforcement has launched an extensive operation across the nation, culminating in the arrest of 25 individuals. These raids, which occurred early Monday morning, swept across major cities including Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lyon.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has indicated that the surge of violence, which escalated dramatically in April, may be linked to gangs exacting revenge against a recent crackdown on drug trafficking spearheaded by the government. The violent incidents, described by Darmanin as “terrorist attacks,” included arson and gunfire assaults on multiple prison facilities over five nights throughout the month.
Key locations targeted included prisons in Toulon, Aix-En-Provence, Marseille, and Nîmes, as well as Villepinte and Nanterre, near the capital. A particularly notable incident involved gunmen firing on the entrance of Toulon's La Farlede prison using a Kalashnikov on April 15. Reports indicate that the French government recorded at least 65 incidents aimed at prison staff or facilities since April 13.
A group representing prisoner rights has reportedly claimed responsibility for these attacks through social media, particularly on the messaging platform Telegram. In response, President Emmanuel Macron has assured the public that those behind the violence will face justice.
French anti-terrorism prosecutors are leading the investigation, which has already yielded significant results with the arrests of several individuals, including those believed to be orchestrating the attacks from within the prison system. Darmanin reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the law and tackling the drug trade vigorously.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau commended the quick response of investigators, highlighting their professionalism in addressing this urgent situation. In legislative developments, France’s parliament is preparing to vote on a new bill that would establish a special prosecutor's office endowed with enhanced powers designed to combat drug-related crime more effectively.
