French prisons under fire: Wave of attacks amid drug crackdown
In France, there have been significant attacks on correctional facilities. Prisons have been fired upon, and cars in parking areas have been set alight, reports BBC News. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin stated that it was an "attempt at intimidation" and linked the attacks to government crackdowns on drug trafficking.
What do you need to know?
- Where did the attacks occur? The attacks occurred at several French prisons, including Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Valence, Nîmes, Luynes, Villepinte, and Nanterre.
- What forms did the attacks take? Perpetrators set fire to vehicles in prison parking areas and fired automatic weapons at the prisons.
- Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin addressed the issue.
According to information provided by "Le Parisien," a series of attacks occurred on French prisons during the night. In the parking areas of several correctional facilities, officers' cars were set ablaze, and Toulon prison was fired upon with automatic weapons.
Series of attacks on French prisons
"There are attempts at intimidation within the prisons, ranging from vehicle arson to shooting with automatic weapons," said Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin on Tuesday. He announced on platform X that he is travelling to Toulon to "support" the officers.
He emphasised that France is dealing with criminal groups involved in drug trafficking. However, he assured that the government is taking action to severely disrupt criminal networks' activities. "The Republic (...) faces challenges, but it will be firm and courageous," he wrote on platform X.
The attacks on seven correctional facilities, including those in Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Valence, and Nîmes, raise concerns about their security. As reported by BBC News, the French prosecutor's office is launching an investigation into the matter.
"Those who attack prisons and officers deserve to be in those prisons," declared French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau via social media.
The FO Justice prison guards' union published photos of burnt vehicles and bullet holes.
The French government has announced actions to protect prisons and prevent similar incidents in the future. However, authorities are not disclosing details.
