Arson, gunfire, threats: France faces a wave of attacks on the penitentiary system
France has seen a series of coordinated attacks on its prison system over two days: burned cars, gunfire at gates, threats to staff. Authorities say this is the drug cartels' response to government pressure.
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From April 13 to 15, France faced an unprecedented wave of attacks on its penitentiary institutions, as reported by the UFAP UNSA Justice Union.
On the night of Monday, unknown individuals set fire to seven cars in the parking lot of the National School of Prison Administration (ENAP) in Agen; more than 1,000 cadets were evacuated.
Four more incidents occurred in Villepinte, Nanterre, Aix-Luynes, and Valence — in each case, employees' personal vehicles were burned.
In Marseille, assailants attempted to set fire to the ERIS special forces base. In Toulon, automatic gunfire was directed at a penitentiary building. And in Nancy, one guard received threats at his home.
The UFAP UNSa Justice union demanded immediate intervention.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin stated that France is facing a response from drug networks to the government's actions.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau ordered increased prison security and promised a tough response to those attacking staff members.