Wave of Prison Attacks in France: Anti-Terror Prosecutors Take Over as Investigators Explore Multiple Leads

Since Sunday night, a series of coordinated attacks has targeted French prisons and their staff. Vehicles have been set on fire, automatic gunfire reported, and targeted vandalism carried out across various locations including Tarascon, Nanterre, Toulon, Agen, Aix-Luynes, and Seine-et-Marne. At least 21 vehicles have been tagged or torched in just four days.

In the latest incidents, occurring between Tuesday night and Wednesday, three cars were set ablaze in the secured parking lot of Tarascon prison. Another was destroyed outside a prison officer’s home in Aix-Luynes, while the entrance of a residential building housing another staff member was partially burned in Seine-et-Marne. The acronym “DDPF” — standing for Défense des Droits des Prisonniers Français (Defense of French Prisoners’ Rights) — was found at the scene, along with claims of responsibility posted on Telegram.

Due to the apparent coordination and repeated targeting, France’s National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) officially took over the investigation on Tuesday and again on Wednesday, April 16. The case involves charges including “participation in a terrorist criminal conspiracy,” “attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise,” and “organized property damage endangering others.” The investigation is now in the hands of France’s anti-terror police unit, the domestic intelligence agency (DGSI), and regional judicial police forces.

Unclear Motives Behind the Attacks

Authorities are still trying to identify those behind the attacks. While the group “DDPF” has claimed responsibility, presenting itself as a human rights advocate for inmates, experts question its legitimacy. Historian Christophe Bourseiller, a specialist in extremist movements, stated that the group’s actions don’t match the methods typically used by far-left militants.

A man was arrested Tuesday in Essonne for allegedly sharing an incitement to violence on Telegram but was later released without charges. Meanwhile, the Telegram group continues to announce plans to expand across France.

Narcotrafficking Retaliation Suspected

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin believes the attacks may be a response from organized crime groups, particularly drug traffickers, reacting to recent government crackdowns and proposed high-security prison projects. “Some are clearly trying to intimidate the state,” Darmanin said on CNews. Government spokesperson Sophie Primas reinforced this stance, affirming France’s determination to combat narcotrafficking “to the very end.”

This possibility has alarmed prison staff unions. Emmanuel Baudin, Secretary General of FO-Justice, warned: “Drug traffickers have no limits — with money, they’re capable of anything.” The concern deepens as Telegram posts circulate with photoshopped images of Minister Darmanin behind bars, captioned with slogans like “Justice for prisoners” and “No to the Darmanin project.”

A Foreign Interference Hypothesis Also Considered

Some officials have not ruled out the possibility of foreign interference. Wilfried Fonck, of the Ufap-Unsa Justice union, referenced previous incidents — such as Star of David graffiti and red handprints on Holocaust memorials — that authorities suspect were orchestrated by pro-Russian actors aiming to destabilize France.

For now, police presence has been stepped up near affected institutions, and officers were deployed at shift changes on Wednesday morning to help ensure the safety of prison staff.