**Over 25 individuals have been detained amid ongoing investigations into recent prison attacks.**
**Wave of Arrests Across France Following Prison Assaults**
**Wave of Arrests Across France Following Prison Assaults**
**Coordinated police actions come as a response to increasing violence targeting prisons and staff.**
In a sweeping operation, French authorities have executed early morning raids across the nation, resulting in the arrest of 25 individuals linked to a series of coordinated assaults on prisons and prison personnel that began in April. The raids unfolded in major cities such as Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lyon on Monday, aiming to address the surge in violence.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has indicated that these attacks are likely orchestrated by organized gangs retaliating against stringent government measures against drug trafficking. Heightened violence was documented over five consecutive nights earlier this month, transforming into what Darmanin condemned as "terrorist attacks." Notably, vehicles were torched, and two establishments suffered gunfire.
The targeted facilities included prisons in Toulon, Aix-En-Provence, Marseille, Valence, and Nîmes in the south, along with Villepinte and Nanterre near the capital. Among the attacks, the incident at Toulon's La Farlede prison on April 15 culminated in gunmen firing at its gates using a Kalashnikov assault weapon.
According to reports from Le Figaro, there have been at least 65 assaults directed at either prisons or their staff since April 13. A group advocating for prisoner rights has allegedly claimed responsibility for certain attacks, disseminating messages via the Telegram messaging platform. In response, President Emmanuel Macron has assured that the perpetrators will face justice.
French anti-terrorism prosecutors are actively leading the investigation, and the recent arrests included some inside prison facilities where suspected instigators were questioned. Darmanin reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to uphold the law against drug trafficking. Similarly, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau commended the investigators for their swift and professional actions that yielded immediate results.
As part of the nation's efforts against drug-related offenses, both chambers of parliament are preparing to vote on a legislative proposal this week aimed at establishing a dedicated prosecutor's office with enhanced powers for investigators to combat these crimes.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has indicated that these attacks are likely orchestrated by organized gangs retaliating against stringent government measures against drug trafficking. Heightened violence was documented over five consecutive nights earlier this month, transforming into what Darmanin condemned as "terrorist attacks." Notably, vehicles were torched, and two establishments suffered gunfire.
The targeted facilities included prisons in Toulon, Aix-En-Provence, Marseille, Valence, and Nîmes in the south, along with Villepinte and Nanterre near the capital. Among the attacks, the incident at Toulon's La Farlede prison on April 15 culminated in gunmen firing at its gates using a Kalashnikov assault weapon.
According to reports from Le Figaro, there have been at least 65 assaults directed at either prisons or their staff since April 13. A group advocating for prisoner rights has allegedly claimed responsibility for certain attacks, disseminating messages via the Telegram messaging platform. In response, President Emmanuel Macron has assured that the perpetrators will face justice.
French anti-terrorism prosecutors are actively leading the investigation, and the recent arrests included some inside prison facilities where suspected instigators were questioned. Darmanin reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to uphold the law against drug trafficking. Similarly, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau commended the investigators for their swift and professional actions that yielded immediate results.
As part of the nation's efforts against drug-related offenses, both chambers of parliament are preparing to vote on a legislative proposal this week aimed at establishing a dedicated prosecutor's office with enhanced powers for investigators to combat these crimes.
