Vehicles were set ablaze outside multiple French prisons and one facility was hit by automatic weapon gunfire during a series of overnight attacks across the country.
Justice Minister Gรฉrald Darmanin described the incidents as “intimidation attempts” and connected them to the government’s intensifying efforts against drug trafficking operations.
According to Le Parisien newspaper, seven prison facilities were targeted in the coordinated attacks: three in southern France (Toulon, Aix-En-Provence, and Marseille), two more in the south (Valence and Nรฎmes), and two near Paris (Villepinte and Nanterre).
France’s national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the incidents.
Darmanin announced on social media platform X that he was traveling to support affected officers at Toulon prison, which suffered gunfire damage. While not directly assigning blame, he stated that the government was “facing up to the problem of drug trafficking” with measures that would “profoundly disrupt” criminal networks.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called for a “relentless” government response, declaring: “Those who attack prisons and officers deserve to be locked up in those prisons and monitored by those officers.” He directed police to immediately enhance security at prison facilities nationwide.
The prison guard union, FO Justice, expressed “deepest concern and anger” following what it called “extremely serious” attacks. The union shared aftermath images on social media showing burned vehicles in prison parking areas and bullet holes in the Toulon prison entrance gate, while calling for urgent government protection for prison staff.
Monday’s incidents follow an earlier attack on Sunday when seven vehicles were set on fire at France’s national school of prison administration, according to the union. “It is worrying to note that some people no longer hesitate to directly attack the prison’s property, a symbol of state authority,” the union stated.
While no group has claimed responsibility, Le Parisien reported that the letters “DDPF” – meaning “French prisoners’ rights” – were found inscribed on damaged vehicles. AFP news agency reported that anarchist slogans were discovered at some locations.
AFP quoted a source close to the investigation saying the attacks appeared coordinated and “clearly linked” to the government’s anti-drug trafficking strategy. The incidents come as legislation moves through Parliament to establish a specialized prosecutor’s office for drug crimes with expanded investigative powers.
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