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French Prisons Targeted in Series of Attacks Amid Drug Gang Crackdown
A string of arson and gun assaults on French correctional facilities is under official investigation, with authorities exploring all potential avenues. While police have not dismissed the possibility of extremist left-wing groups or foreign entities like Russia or Algeria being involved, a prevailing belief suggests that these 12 incidents since Sunday night are the work of narcotics syndicates retaliating against the government’s intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking. This conviction is reportedly shared by the French government itself.
Government Points to Drug Syndicate Retaliation
Speaking on Thursday, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau asserted his “certainty” that the attacks were perpetrated by “drugs-yobs” (narco-racaille in French), implying drug-dealing delinquents. He stated, “It is not they who have declared war on us. It is we who declared war on them with our new law on drugs trafficking. They know we’re going to be hitting their wallets.”
Coordinated Attacks and Mysterious Graffiti
The assaults, which appear to be part of a coordinated three-night operation, involved perpetrators setting ablaze vehicles outside prison perimeters and a correctional officer training center. Firearms were discharged at two locations. Many attack sites were marked with graffiti displaying the acronym DDPF, an initialism for Droits des Prisonniers Français – Rights for French Prison Inmates.
This previously unknown group claimed responsibility by posting a video on Telegram on Tuesday, depicting the torching of a prison official’s car.
The video’s accompanying text, written in grammatically flawed French, accuses Justice Minister Gérard Darmanin of initiating “war” against inmates.
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“All we want is that human rights be respected,” the message continued. “If in 2025 we can watch TV, smoke and eat our meals without being bothered in our cells, it’s only because our elders fought for these fundamental rights.”
Doubts Cast on Human Rights Motivation
The presentation of drug gangs as human rights advocates is considered an unconventional tactic. Furthermore, the DDPF does not align with the characteristics of typical far-left or anarchist organizations, which are more frequently associated with prisoner rights advocacy. These groups typically possess a strong intellectual foundation, reflected in their grammatically correct and well-spelled French. Prisoner rights have not historically been a primary focus for far-left factions in France.
Investigators noted that individuals captured on video during the attacks were dressed in a manner more consistent with drug gang affiliates rather than far-left militants, who generally originate from different social backgrounds.
Adding to the suspicion, in one instance, perpetrators inscribed the erroneous initials DDFM, suggesting a superficial connection to the purported organization.
Exploring Alternative Theories: Foreign Interference
The theory of foreign meddling, especially from nations like Russia, is being treated seriously, particularly in light of documented instances of Russian interference, such as the spray-painting of Stars of David in Paris following the October 7th attacks. Tensions with Algeria are also currently elevated.
Drug Gang Theory Gains Traction
However, the drug gang theory remains prominent due to its readily apparent logic in terms of both means and motive. The current French government, featuring a united front of right-leaning interior and justice ministers who are committed to confronting the drug trade, reinforces this perspective.
Government Measures to Counter Drug Trafficking
Ministers Darmanin and Retailleau are spearheading legislation through parliament aimed at significantly impeding the operational capabilities of drug kingpins. The proposed measures include the establishment of a dedicated branch within the prosecutors’ office, expanded authority for investigators, and a protected status for informants.
The government emphasizes that the conversion of two prisons into high-security facilities, designed to intern the 100 most influential drug lords later this year, represents an even greater threat to these criminal figures. These maximum-security correctional centers will enforce stricter regulations concerning visits and external communications. Enhanced measures will be implemented to prevent the infiltration of mobile phones, of which tens of thousands are known to be in circulation within French prisons.
The objective is to prevent gang leaders from directing their illicit enterprises from inside prison walls – a lapse in security that has become increasingly prevalent.
High-Profile Escape Highlights Security Lapses
The case of Mohamed Amra, a drug kingpin whose escape last year resulted in the death of two prison guards near Rouen, exemplifies this issue.
Prison personnel who launched strikes in protest conveyed to the BBC that the relaxed environment within prisons was eroding morale and escalating security risks.
Amra was apprehended in Romania the previous month.
Government Narrative and the Search for Answers
The French government interprets the prison attacks as an indication that drug gangs are feeling pressured, thus prompting a retaliatory response.
This narrative conveniently aligns with the government’s objective to demonstrate to voters that it is taking a firm stance against crime.
The decisive factor will be the apprehension of the perpetrators and their explanation for their actions. Investigators suggest that arrests may be imminent.