New attacks on French prisons are attempt to 'destabilise the state', says minister
The latest incidents come after several French prisons were targeted by unknown assailants firing automatic weapons at a jail in the southern city of Toulon.
Wednesday 16 April 2025 13:46, UK
French jails have been hit by a second wave of attacks in what ministers believe are attempts to "destabilise the state" after government action to tackle drug trafficking.
Three cars were set on fire in a parking lot used by prison guards at Tarascon jail, near Avignon in southern France, on Tuesday night.
Officials said the car of a prison guard who works at a jail in Aix-Luynes, north of Marseille, was also set on fire.
In a further attack, the hall of a building used by prison staff was set on fire in Meaux, east of Paris.
It comes after the previous night saw several French prisons attacked, including unknown assailants firing automatic weapons at a jail in the southern city of Toulon.
Vehicles were also burned outside other facilities across the country and staff were threatened.
Authorities said at least six prisons guarding some of the nation's most hardened crime kingpins had come under gun and arson attack.
France's Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has led efforts to toughen prison security and target gangsters who run their empires from behind bars.
He said the motive behind the attacks was still unclear, but he added people linked to drug trafficking might be trying to frighten the authorities and those who work in prisons.
"There are clearly people who try to destabilise the state by intimidating it," he told CNews TV and Europe 1 radio.
"We won't back down. If the state backs down, then there is nothing left, the French wouldn't be protected anymore."
Mr Darmanin said the attacks had included shooting rounds at prison doors with AK-47 automatic rifles - and these incidents had the hallmarks of organised crime.
"We are taking very firm measures that are leading drug traffickers to react," he said.
A security source said there has been no evidence found of foreign interference.
Years of record South American cocaine imports to Europe have transformed local drug markets, sparking a wave of violence.
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Despite record cocaine seizures in France, gangs have been able to expand from traditional power bases in cities such as Marseille into smaller towns.