France launches mass raids after prison attacks: Macron says attackers will be 'found, tried and punished'
French police arrest 25 after violent prison attacks trigger nationwide response (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
A wave of coordinated attacks on prisons and correctional officers across France led to mass police raids and 25 arrests on Monday, reports BBC.
Gangs suspected as violence sweeps French prisons
French authorities launched a series of early morning raids in major cities including Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lyon after a string of violent incidents targeting both prisons and the homes of their staff.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin pointed to organized gangs lashing out in retaliation against a government crackdown on drug trafficking.
France's Minister of Justice, Gerald Darmanin (Photo: Getty Images)
Over five nights in April, attackers set vehicles ablaze and opened fire on prison facilities — incidents Darmanin called "terrorist attacks."
Among the hardest hit were prisons in Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Valence, Nîmes, and several near Paris.
The French government recorded at least 65 attacks on prisons or staff since April 13, according to Le Figaro.
In the most brazen assault, gunmen fired a Kalashnikov at the gates of Toulon's La Farlede prison.
Police response, arrests and new security measures
A Telegram group claiming to defend prisoner rights has taken responsibility for some attacks, French media report.
Anti-terror prosecutors say 25 suspects have been detained so far, including several alleged ringleaders arrested inside prisons.
President Emmanuel Macron made a public promise that the attackers will be "found, tried and punished."
Justice Minister Darmanin responded to the arrests by reaffirming, "We remain committed to the law and to the Republic in our relentless fight against drug trafficking."
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau commended the investigators for their "great professionalism," which "made it possible to achieve results in a very short time."
With both ministers promising tougher action against drug crime, France's parliament is preparing to vote on legislation to empower a new special prosecutor's office in response to the wave of violence.
