A Fresh Spate of Attacks on Prisons and Guards
Repeated Assault on Prison Staff in Isère: Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor Initiates Investigation
In a chilling turn of events, the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office (Pnat) has taken charge of a recent attack on the prison system in Villefontaine, Isère. The early Monday attack involved shots fired and Molotov cocktails hurled at dwellings in the area, where several prison officers reside. Graffiti reading "DDPF" was discovered at the scene, which stands for "Droit des Prisonniers Français" or "Rights of French Prisoners."
The incident unfolded in Villefontaine, an Isère commune close to the Saint-Quentin-Fallavier prison. A neighbor's home was targeted, with a door set ablaze, and bullet impacts found on the facade, as per gendarmerie and union sources. An inscription "DDPF" was spotted on the residence. Confirming the incident, the FO Justice union stated on social media that the attackers had mistakenly targeted the wrong residence, assuming they were attacking a fellow guard.
An investigation has been launched for "participation in a terrorist criminal association," "attempted assassination of a public authority official," and "organized damage or deterioration of another person's property." The Pnat is in contact with territorial prosecutors regarding other arson incidents that occurred during the night.
Minister of Justice Gerald Darmanin remarked that, although there were no injuries, these incidents constituted intimidation against the Republic. Darmanin emphasized the support he receives from the Interior Ministry in swiftly apprehending the perpetrators and restoring order.
In the aftermath of these attacks, DDPF has asserted itself as a group advocating for the preservation of human rights in prisons, defending itself through a Telegram channel. The group has published videos and threats against the prison system, both establishments and personnel. While initial speculation pointed to anarchist involvement, the investigation has shifted toward drug trafficking as a potential motive.
The French government views these attacks as a serious challenge to state authority and has invoked anti-terrorism measures in response. Despite the group's claims of human rights advocacy, the government suspects the attacks are more likely linked to recent measures aimed at combating drug trafficking.
- The perpetrators of the recent attack on the prison system in Villefontaine, Isère, are being investigated for "participation in a terrorist criminal association," "attempted assassination of a public authority official," and "organized damage or deterioration of another person's property."
- The early Monday attack in Villefontaine, an Isère commune near the Saint-Quentin-Fallavier prison, involved shots fired, Molotov cocktails, and graffiti reading "DDPF," which stands for "Droit des Prisonniers Français" or "Rights of French Prisoners."
- The DDPF group, which advocates for the preservation of human rights in prisons, has been linked to videos and threats against the prison system, both establishments and personnel, through a Telegram channel.
- Minister of Justice Gerald Darmanin has emphasized the government's support from the Interior Ministry in swiftly apprehending the perpetrators and restoring order, stating that these incidents constitute intimidation against the Republic.
- The French government views these attacks as a serious challenge to state authority and has invoked anti-terrorism measures in response, with some initial speculation pointing to anarchist involvement, but the investigation has shifted toward drug trafficking as a potential motive.
