In the wake of recent attacks on prisons and prison officers, French authorities have launched a series of police raids nationwide, resulting in 25 arrests. Officials suspect these violent acts are linked to organized gangs retaliating against government drug policies.
Police Conduct Sweeping Raids Amid Surge of Attacks on French Prisons
Police Conduct Sweeping Raids Amid Surge of Attacks on French Prisons
Coordinated operations across France follow a series of violent incidents targeting prisons and prison staff, leading to multiple arrests.
In a significant crackdown, French law enforcement has initiated early morning raids across the nation, arresting 25 individuals in response to a troubling wave of assaults directed at prisons and the residences of prison personnel. These coordinated operations unfolded on Monday, affecting major cities including Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lyon.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has indicated that the violent retaliations stem from organized gangs opposing recent government measures against drug trafficking. Notably, a spate of attacks occurred within five nights this month, marked by vehicle arson and armed assaults on two prisons, which Darmanin labeled as "terrorist attacks."
High-profile targets included prisons in towns like Toulon, Aix-En-Provence, Marseille, Valence, and Nîmes in the south, as well as Villepinte and Nanterre near Paris. The most alarming incident unfolded on April 15, when gunfire erupted at Toulon's La Farlede prison gate, with assailants armed with a Kalashnikov.
The French government has reported at least 65 documented attacks on prison infrastructure and staff since April 13. A group advocating for prisoner rights has claimed responsibility for several of these incidents via posts on Telegram.
In response to these escalating threats, President Emmanuel Macron asserted that the perpetrators will face justice. The anti-terror unit overseeing the inquiries has confirmed 25 arrests were made on Monday, some of which involved suspects inside prison facilities, believed to have orchestrated the attacks.
Minister Darmanin emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to lawful governance in the fight against drug crime. His counterpart, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, commended the "great professionalism" demonstrated by investigators, which facilitated rapid results. In light of these incidents, both ministers have vowed to escalate their approach to combat drug-related offenses.
Meanwhile, legislative action is underway as France’s parliament prepares to debate a new bill aimed at establishing a specialized prosecutor's office with enhanced investigative powers.
