Seven prison facilities across France suffer arson and gunfire incidents amid escalating tensions.
French Prisons Targeted by Coordinated Attacks Overnight
French Prisons Targeted by Coordinated Attacks Overnight
Wave of violence linked to government's anti-drug trafficking measures raises concerns.
In a shocking series of events, several French prisons fell victim to coordinated overnight attacks, where vehicles were set ablaze and gunfire erupted from automatic weapons. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin labeled the assaults "attempts at intimidation," attributing the violence to the government’s intensified campaign against drug trafficking.
According to reports from the Parisien newspaper, seven prison facilities were targeted, located in Toulon, Aix-En-Provence, Marseille, Valence, and Nîmes in southern France, while Villepinte and Nanterre located near Paris also suffered attacks. The national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the incidents.
Darmanin engaged on social media platform X, announcing his visit to Toulon where the prison endured gunfire. Although he refrained from directly blaming any group, he emphasized the government's commitment to combat drug trafficking and disrupt criminal networks, which he believes is at the heart of these attacks.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau echoed the sentiment, calling for a steadfast response to enhance prison security and ensure that individuals attacking corrections workers are confined and monitored effectively. Following the serious nature of the attacks, the prison guard union FO Justice openly expressed their "deep concern and anger," sharing images of the aftermath on X—including torched vehicles and bullet-riddled prison gates.
The attacks come closely on the heels of earlier violent incidents, including the fire setting of seven vehicles linked to France's national school for prison administration. FO Justice noted a troubling trend where perpetrators are brazenly targeting facilities that symbolize state authority.
As investigations continue, no group has claimed responsibility; however, the letters "DDPF," representing "French prisoners' rights," were discovered inscribed on some of the damaged vehicles, along with anarchist slogans at certain attack sites. A source within the investigation indicated that these incidents seem to be planned and are "clearly linked" to the government's intensified crackdown on drug-related crime, underscoring rising tensions in the country as legislation making its way through parliament seeks to establish a specialized prosecutor's office dedicated to combating drug offenses.
According to reports from the Parisien newspaper, seven prison facilities were targeted, located in Toulon, Aix-En-Provence, Marseille, Valence, and Nîmes in southern France, while Villepinte and Nanterre located near Paris also suffered attacks. The national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the incidents.
Darmanin engaged on social media platform X, announcing his visit to Toulon where the prison endured gunfire. Although he refrained from directly blaming any group, he emphasized the government's commitment to combat drug trafficking and disrupt criminal networks, which he believes is at the heart of these attacks.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau echoed the sentiment, calling for a steadfast response to enhance prison security and ensure that individuals attacking corrections workers are confined and monitored effectively. Following the serious nature of the attacks, the prison guard union FO Justice openly expressed their "deep concern and anger," sharing images of the aftermath on X—including torched vehicles and bullet-riddled prison gates.
The attacks come closely on the heels of earlier violent incidents, including the fire setting of seven vehicles linked to France's national school for prison administration. FO Justice noted a troubling trend where perpetrators are brazenly targeting facilities that symbolize state authority.
As investigations continue, no group has claimed responsibility; however, the letters "DDPF," representing "French prisoners' rights," were discovered inscribed on some of the damaged vehicles, along with anarchist slogans at certain attack sites. A source within the investigation indicated that these incidents seem to be planned and are "clearly linked" to the government's intensified crackdown on drug-related crime, underscoring rising tensions in the country as legislation making its way through parliament seeks to establish a specialized prosecutor's office dedicated to combating drug offenses.
