In a series of alarming attacks targeting penitentiary establishments across France, several vehicles were set ablaze and gunfire was exchanged at various locations, raising concerns about the implications of the government's intensified anti-drug policies. The incidents, which began over the weekend, have drawn the attention of Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, who visited the Toulon penitentiary center on April 15, 2025, to offer support to the affected staff.
The wave of violence started in the night of April 13 to 14, when seven vehicles were either destroyed or damaged by fire at the École nationale d'administration pénitentiaire (Enap) in Agen, located in Lot-et-Garonne. In Réau, Seine-et-Marne, a prison warden's vehicle was set ablaze, with traces of hydrocarbons found on three other vehicles, according to local police sources.
On the night of April 14 to 15, the attacks escalated further. At the Villepinte prison, located north of Paris, three vehicles, including two owned by prison staff, were torched in the parking lot. A five-liter fuel canister was discovered at the scene, and surveillance footage captured two individuals entering the premises to commit the act. Other prisons in Nanterre, Aix-Luynes, and Valence also reported similar incidents of vehicle fires, some of which were marked with the slogan "DDPF," which stands for "droit des prisonniers français" (rights of French prisoners).
At the Aix-Luynes penitentiary center, the door to the base of the regional intervention and security team (PREJ-ERIS) was set on fire. Meanwhile, at the Toulon-La Farlède facility, gunmen fired heavy weapons at the main gate, resulting in 15 bullet impacts. A striking red-orange symbol featuring the letters "DDFM" was spray-painted on the gate, indicating a possible organized effort behind these attacks.
As the violence unfolded, additional incidents occurred in Marseille, where vehicles were vandalized and one was set on fire near the premises of the judicial protection of youth (PJJ), which houses many penitentiary staff members. Local officials and unions have expressed outrage over these targeted attacks. Martine Vassal, the president of the Bouches-du-Rhône department, condemned the violence, stating, "It's an absolute shame. I reaffirm my support for the prison staff for their courage," alongside a photo of the vandalized vehicles.
In response to the escalating situation, the Parquet national antiterroriste (Pnat) has taken over the investigation, which has been assigned to the anti-terrorism sub-directorate of the judicial police. A source close to the investigation noted that the nature of these actions suggests a coordinated effort aimed at severely disrupting public order through intimidation, which could classify the incidents as acts of terrorism.
Minister Darmanin attributed these attacks to the ongoing issue of narcotrafic, asserting that the Republic is facing significant challenges from drug trafficking and is taking measures that will deeply disrupt criminal networks. He stated on social media platform X, "The Republic is face to face with drug trafficking and is taking measures that will seriously disrupt criminal networks," emphasizing the government's resolve to respond firmly and courageously.
However, the investigation remains open to all possibilities. While the minister pointed to narcotrafic as a motive, a source revealed that some of the slogans found at the attack sites hint at anarchist sentiments, suggesting that multiple motivations could be at play.
The prison staff unions have voiced their concerns over the safety of their members. The FO Justice union condemned the attacks as a direct assault on the institution and the Republic itself, demanding a strong and immediate response from the government. Louis Nicole, the local deputy secretary of FO Justice at the Valence penitentiary, called for increased funding to enhance security measures, stating, "These targeted, cowardly, and odious attacks aim to terrorize those who embody the authority of the state and ensure the safety of all, even at the cost of their own peace of mind."
Wilfried Fonck, national secretary for another union, Ufap Unsa Justice, pointed out that the prison system lacks sufficient staff to maintain security around the clock, further complicating the situation. The unions are now calling for decisive action from both the Justice and Interior Ministers to address the growing threats against prison personnel.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying the groups behind these attacks and understanding their motives. The recent surge in violence has raised alarm bells not only within the prison system but also across the broader community, as citizens grapple with the implications of escalating drug-related crime and the government's response.
With the situation evolving, the French government faces a critical juncture in balancing the need for security with the rights of individuals within the prison system. The outcome of these investigations and the government's response will likely shape the future landscape of France's approach to crime and punishment.