Wave of Attacks on French Prisons: A Night of Violence
Vehicles were set alight outside several French prisons, and one jail was hit by gunfire from an automatic weapon, in a wave of overnight attacks. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said the jails had faced “intimidation attempts” and linked the attacks to the government’s crackdown on drug trafficking.
Multiple Targets Across France
- Seven establishments were targeted, according to the Parisien newspaper: in Toulon, Aix-En-Provence, Marseille, Valence, Nîmes in southern France, and in Villepinte and Nanterre, near Paris.
France’s national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office said it was investigating the incidents.
Government Response and Investigation
In a post on X, Darmanin said he was traveling to support affected officers at the prison in Toulon, which was targeted with gunfire. Without directly attributing blame for the attacks, he emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and disrupting criminal networks.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called for a “relentless” response to the attacks, stating that those responsible should face consequences and that security at prison facilities would be reinforced immediately.
The prison guard union, FO Justice, expressed deep concern and anger over the attacks, urging the government to take urgent action to protect prison staff.
Possible Motives and Coordination
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but reports indicate that the letters DDPF, meaning “French prisoners’ rights,” were found inscribed on damaged vehicles. Anarchist slogans were also discovered at some sites.
According to a source close to the case, the attacks appeared to be coordinated and linked to the government’s strategy against drug trafficking. The ongoing legislation in the French parliament to establish a special prosecutor’s office for drugs crime may have influenced these violent actions.
Conclusion
The recent wave of attacks on French prisons has raised concerns about the safety of prison staff and the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to combat drug trafficking. As investigations continue and security measures are reinforced, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to this challenge.
FAQs
1. What was the motive behind the attacks on French prisons?
The attacks are believed to be linked to the government’s crackdown on drug trafficking and the establishment of a special prosecutor’s office for drugs crime.
2. Who is investigating the incidents?
France’s national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office is leading the investigation into the attacks on the prisons.