French justice minister: Prisons targeted overnight again - Reuters

French justice minister: Prisons targeted overnight again - Reuters

Title: French Justice Minister: Prisons Targeted Overnight Again - Reuters

French prisons have once again been the target of attacks, with multiple incidents reported overnight. The Justice Minister, Gerald Darmanin, confirmed that several facilities were hit, including Tarascon prison in southern France where three cars were set on fire. This follows a wave of coordinated attacks that have been ongoing for several nights, with at least nine prison facilities and affiliated institutions targeted.

The attacks, which included shooting at prison doors with AK-47 automatic rifles, have raised concerns about the potential involvement of organized crime or militant groups. Darmanin suggested that drug traffickers might be behind the assaults, aiming to intimidate authorities and prison workers. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) is investigating the incidents, with assistance from the domestic intelligence agency DGSI.

The attacks have also been accompanied by graffiti, with the acronym "DDPF" (French prisoners' rights) appearing at several sites. A Telegram group with the same name has been created and is being investigated by police. One man suspected of belonging to the group was arrested, but his role in the attacks remains unclear.

French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to track down and punish those responsible, stating that the attacks are an attempt to intimidate prison workers and destabilize the state. The government is considering various scenarios, including the involvement of drug traffickers and unknown militant groups.

The attacks come amid a surge in drug-related violence in France, fueled by record cocaine seizures and the expansion of criminal networks from traditional power bases in cities like Marseille into smaller towns. Despite these challenges, the government has pledged to take firm measures to disrupt criminal networks and protect prison officers.

The situation highlights the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking and organized crime in France, and underscores the need for robust security measures to protect prison facilities and staff.

References:
1. [https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/16/europe/french-prisons-attacks-second-wave-intl/index.html](https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/16/europe/french-prisons-attacks-second-wave-intl/index.html)
2. [https://au.news.yahoo.com/france-vows-track-down-those-210644691.html](https://au.news.yahoo.com/france-vows-track-down-those-210644691.html)
3. [https://www.wyomingnewsnow.tv/news/national/french-prisons-hit-by-mystery-arson-and-gunfire-attacks/article_ebee0406-9def-5244-bdba-ced9145bdccb.html](https://www.wyomingnewsnow.tv/news/national/french-prisons-hit-by-mystery-arson-and-gunfire-attacks/article_ebee0406-9def-5244-bdba-ced9145bdccb.html)
4. [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/drug-dealing-scum-behind-string-073456693.html](https://ca.news.yahoo.com/drug-dealing-scum-behind-string-073456693.html)