Prisoners Contributing to Their Own Detention Costs: A "Straightforward but Repugnant and Shocking Proposal", Accords the International Prison Watchdog
The controversial proposition from Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin ignites outrage, with the International Prison Observatory (OIP) vehemently condemning it as "a simple yet brutal and shocking idea." In a fiery statement, the OIP decries the Minister's proposal as a continuation of his "demagogic prison enterprise."
The OIP is outraged, declaring that they "can't stand behind this new approach of collecting funds from inmates." Gerald Darmanin, in a recent announcement, confirmed sending a letter to prison administrators, revealing his intentions to amend the law to enact this contentious change.
The OIP challenges Darmanin's disregard for the turbulent histories of detainees, many of whom face an unstable life before entering prison. They note, "Do we need to remind you that over half of detainees are jobless before entering prison, nearly a third struggle with precarious housing conditions, and 8% proclaim themselves homeless?"
The OIP recalls that the unemployment rate within prisons hovers around an appalling 70%, and the majority of convicts who find work receive wages between 20 and 70% of the minimum wage. Further, the OIP reports that one in every five prisoners lives on less than €60 per month.
It's essential to acknowledge that the current news landscape predominantly focuses on prison attacks and the government's ongoing initiatives to curb drug trafficking and enhance prison security. However, no specific proposal regarding convicted prisoners covering their incarceration costs or any related criticism has been identified within the given sources.
While criticism or discussions regarding inmates' financial situations or employment within prisons may exist, they are not covered in the available information.
- The International Prison Observatory (OIP) has strongly opposed Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin's proposal to have inmates finance their own incarceration, reminding him of the challenges facing many detainees such as high unemployment rates and precarious housing conditions.
- Gerald Darmanin announced his intentions to amend the law to enforce this contentious change, which the OIP believes would be another step in the Minister's "demagogic prison enterprise."
- The OIP argues that it cannot support this new approach of collecting funds from inmates, citing that over half of detainees are jobless before entering prison and the unemployment rate within prisons is approximately 70%.
- The OIP also reported that one in every five prisoners lives on less than €60 per month, while the majority of convicts who find work receive wages between 20 and 70% of the minimum wage.
- Despite the ongoing focus on prison attacks, drug trafficking, and enhancing prison security in general news and politics discussions, there is no specific proposal regarding convicted prisoners covering their incarceration costs or related criticism identified within the sources.

