Wave of Coordinated Attacks on Prisons: Anti-Terrorism Prosecutors Take Over, Darmanin Issues Warning

Since mid-April, several prisons across France have come under attack during the night. Acts of vandalism, arson, and threats targeting prison staff have been reported in various regions, including Rhône, Isère, Toulon, Valence, and Meaux.

On the night of April 20 to 21, new incidents were reported. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced on social media platform X that “prison officers and detention centers have once again been targeted.” Although no injuries were reported, Darmanin denounced these as “acts of intimidation against the Republic” and called for decisive action. “I trust the Interior Ministry to swiftly apprehend those responsible and put an end to these disruptions,” he stated.

Violent Methods, a Claimed Signature

In Grenoble, several homes of prison guards were targeted by gunfire, while in Lyon, vehicles were set on fire in the secure parking lot of a detention center. In some cases, the acronym “DDPF” – standing for “Defending the Rights of French Prisoners” – was found at the scene. This group had earlier released threatening videos and messages on Telegram, claiming responsibility for the attacks.

In response to the escalating violence, the French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) has opened an investigation into “criminal terrorist conspiracy” and “attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise.” The government has ordered an immediate increase in security measures around prisons and at the homes of prison staff.

An Offensive Against Penitentiary Authority

President Emmanuel Macron also reacted, firmly condemning the violence and promising that those responsible would be “tracked down, tried, and punished.” “Those who attempt to intimidate our prison officers are attacking the authority of the State,” he declared.

These attacks come amid growing tensions surrounding the French government’s approach to prison management, with officials reaffirming their intent to “restore order and authority in our correctional facilities,” in Darmanin’s words. A wide-ranging investigation is now underway to identify and dismantle the network behind this series of coordinated assaults.