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French Justice Minister Condemns Prison Attacks as Terrorism Amid Drug Trade Crackdown
French authorities are investigating a series of coordinated attacks against at least six prisons across France, which the Justice Minister has labeled as acts of terrorism. These incidents, involving gunfire and arson, are believed to target security officials responsible for guarding some of the nation’s most notorious crime figures, as the government intensifies its efforts to combat the burgeoning drug trade.
Justice Minister’s Assessment
During a visit to Toulon prison in southern France, which sustained damage from AK-47 rifle fire at its entrance, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin addressed the press. While he refrained from definitively linking the assaults to the government’s crackdown on France’s escalating narcotics trafficking, he emphasized that authorities are significantly disrupting the operations of incarcerated gangsters. Darmanin asserted the government’s unwavering commitment to confronting drug crime, which has been a contributing factor to the rise of far-right political movements.
“The Republic will not yield,” Darmanin declared to reporters. “These are extremely grave offenses… an assault on the public prison service; that is, a terrorist attack.”
Escalating Drug Violence
Years of unprecedented cocaine importation from South America into Europe have dramatically altered local drug markets, triggering a surge in violent activities. Despite record seizures of cocaine within France, criminal organizations are amassing substantial profits. They are expanding their influence beyond traditional strongholds like Marseille, penetrating smaller urban centers previously unaccustomed to such levels of drug-related violence.
Government Response and Investigation
Justice Minister Darmanin announced plans to establish new high-security prisons aimed at isolating and dismantling the networks of gangsters who continue to manage their criminal empires from within correctional facilities. He confirmed that at least six prisons were deliberately targeted in the recent attacks.
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Details of Prison Attacks
According to the prison officers’ union UFAP, the coordinated attacks involved vehicles being set ablaze outside correctional facilities in Villepinte, Nanterre, Aix-Luynes, and Valence. Further incidents included a prison officer being threatened at their private residence in Nancy, and an attempted arson attack in Marseille.
The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) has assumed control of the investigation into these incidents, which also included the National School of Prison Administration as a target. Agents from France’s domestic intelligence agency, DGSI, are providing assistance to the PNAT in this investigation.
Official Statement from Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office
In a formal statement, PNAT articulated that “the nature of these acts, the selected targets, and the orchestrated character of actions perpetrated at multiple locations across the territory, coupled with the intention to severely disrupt public order through intimidation… lead the national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office, at this juncture, to assume responsibility for ensuring national coordination of the ongoing probes within this unprecedented context.”
PNAT indicated that the investigation may lead to charges including attempted murder with terrorist associations against individuals holding public authority.
Unusual Nature of Investigation and Possible Motives
Darmanin highlighted the atypical nature of the PNAT, rather than specialized organized crime prosecutors, leading the inquiry. He justified this decision by citing the nationwide scope of the attacks directed against state symbols.
The acronym “DDPF,” believed to stand for “French prisoners’ rights,” was discovered spray-painted at several attack locations. Law enforcement sources have suggested the possibility of involvement by a far-left extremist group.
Darmanin acknowledged the existence of DDPF groups on platforms like Telegram and Signal, which have reportedly encouraged assaults against prisons. However, he stated that no group has formally claimed responsibility for the attacks.
“I am indifferent to who is behind this slogan,” Darmanin stated, emphasizing the severity of the violence. “What remains salient is not a prison door being tagged, but that it was subjected to gunfire from a Kalashnikov rifle.”
Comparison to Gangland Tactics
Darmanin drew a parallel between these prison attacks and typical contracts offered to criminals to intimidate, harm, or eliminate rivals.
“Such actions are generally confined to interactions between criminal elements; it is rare to witness them directed against the forces of the Republic,” he observed.
Increased Security Measures
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced that he has instructed law enforcement agencies to enhance security measures for prison staff and facilities throughout the country.
Political Context
The surge in organized crime related to drug trafficking has contributed to increased public support for the far-right National Rally party, pushing French politics further to the right. Darmanin’s proposed measures to bolster prison security, including the construction of high-security jails to isolate the nation’s top crime bosses, reflect this shift in political focus.
Legislative Efforts
Lawmakers are nearing the final stages of approving significant new anti-drug trafficking legislation. This law will establish a new national organized crime prosecutor’s office and expand the investigative powers granted to police forces involved in probing drug gangs.
Recent Law Enforcement Success
In February, authorities achieved a notable success with the recapture of Mohamed Amra, a French fugitive known as “The Fly.” His highly publicized escape during a prison transfer to court tragically resulted in the deaths of two prison guards.