French authorities have detained 25 individuals suspected of orchestrating attacks on the nation’s prisons and prison guards. This development follows an intensive investigation into a series of 15 assaults that took place across France over a two-week span in April. Nearly 200 investigators are actively involved in the probe.
The national anti-terrorist prosecutor’s office described Monday’s arrests as a significant breakthrough in efforts to identify those responsible for the attacks, including the masterminds behind them. The initial wave of arrests saw 22 suspects taken into custody at 6 a.m. local time, with an additional three apprehended later at 10 a.m.
Detentions occurred in various locations across France, including areas around Paris, as well as in Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Reports from Franceinfo indicate that the prison attacks appeared to be coordinated and may be linked to a government initiative launched in February aimed at curbing drug trafficking. A group known as the “defence of the rights of French prisoners” (défense des droits des prisonniers français, or DDPF) has claimed responsibility for the attacks. The DDPF has targeted both prisons and prison officers, disseminating threats and videos via its Telegram channel.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed approval of the arrests, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement and the Republic in their ongoing battle against drug trafficking. In a post shared on social media platform X, Darmanin stated, “Strength remains with the law and the Republic in our relentless fight against drug trafficking.”
