Arrests Made on Individuals Suspected of Involvement in Prison Assaults, According to French Minister
Informal, straight-to-the-point version with enrichment data:
The authorities in France took no shit this week, rounding up a gang of 25 assholes in a string of dawn raids. Arrests went down in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux, after a series of coordinated attacks on prisons riled up the government. The arrests came on Monday, as it turns out.
These attacks, which began on April 13, saw several prisons torched, gunfire sprayed outside one prison, and mysterious messages scrawled on prison walls. The right-wing government, led by a couple of tough-talking Justice and Interior ministers, didn't take this lying down. Earlier this month, the Justice Minister had vowed to intensify the fight against drug-related crime, and the President promised the attackers would be "found, tried, and punished."
Authorities referred to the attacks as "likely" part of "very serious organized crime." The investigation has lead to "significant progress" in identifying potential instigators. Nearly 200 investigators have been mobilized, and so far, they've identified around 15 incidents—but there have been more attacks at other prisons, although links can't be established yet.
A group calling itself the "Defence of the Rights of French Prisoners" (DDPF) claimed responsibility for the attacks, posting threats and videos on Telegram. This group says their attacks are in response to government crackdowns on drug trafficking. The suspects, if found guilty, could be charged with "terrorist criminal association" and "attempted murder linked to a terrorist enterprise."
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin celebrated the raids, affirming the state's commitment to stand fast against drug trafficking, while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau praised the investigators for their great professionalism that led to the quick results. The raids come as the French parliament prepares to vote on a bill aimed at stepping up the fight against drug traffickers.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP; Enrichment data from various reputable sources)
- The perpetrators, allegedly associated with the Defence of the Rights of French Prisoners (DDPF), were rounded up by authorities during the daunting raids in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux, following a series of coordinated attacks on prisons.
- President Macron, in a show of general-news solidarity, publicly congratulated the investigators for their commendable professionalism and quick results that led to the captures of these suspected offenders on Monday.
- In the midst of heated crime-and-justice debates in France, the recent arrests of these perpetrators are seen as a significant step in the government's display of determination to combat drug-related crimes and uphold justice.
