France considers implementing fees for inmates' incarceration time
The justice minister's proposal arises amid a recent surge of attacks on prisons and their personnel across the country.
TroibNews 
The proposal by the justice minister comes amid a series of attacks targeting prisons and guards across the country.
French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has suggested that inmates should contribute financially towards their incarceration in an effort to address the rising tide of violence nationwide.
This initiative emerges in the wake of multiple violent incidents affecting both prisons and guards throughout France earlier this month.
In an interview with TF1 on Monday, Darmanin announced intentions to “amend the law” to back a bill that was introduced in the National Assembly in March. The justice ministry estimates that maintaining the national prison system costs the state roughly €4 billion annually.
To justify the proposed measure, Darmanin referenced historical precedent, stating that “until 2003, prisoners contributed to the cost of their incarceration,” and noted the similarity to healthcare expenses, pointing out that “just as there is a fixed hospital charge, there was a fixed prison attendance charge.”
France had inmate contribution policies until 2003, when they were eliminated during Jacques Chirac’s presidency.
This proposal has arisen in light of a recent surge in violence against French prisons and correctional officers, which occurred over a two-week period in April.
Reports from France’s national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office indicate that a series of coordinated assaults targeted at least ten prisons over five nights, with attackers employing automatic weapons.
In response to these incidents, nearly 200 investigators have been assigned to track down those responsible. This week, police arrested 25 suspects following coordinated operations across the country.
Both Darmanin and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau have identified drug traffickers as the likely culprits, implying that the assaults were acts of retaliation against the government’s efforts to crack down on gang leaders operating from within prisons.
Darmanin shared an open letter on X on Monday, reaffirming his “total determination” to safeguard prison staff. “The absolutely unacceptable violence and threats committed against you [prison officers] and prisons in recent days have rightly shocked you,” he expressed. The letter outlined new initiatives designed to protect the anonymity and safety of prison guards.
Responsibility for the prison attacks has been claimed by a group identifying itself as the Defense of the Rights of French Prisoners. This group has utilized its Telegram channel to distribute threats and propaganda directed at correctional facilities and their staff.
At the same time, France has repeatedly faced criticism from the European Court of Human Rights regarding the condition of its prison system, with rulings emphasizing problems such as overcrowding and substandard living conditions. Despite these findings, reports indicate that challenges continue, with some prisons operating beyond their intended capacity and lacking the necessary facilities to maintain humane treatment for inmates.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has suggested that inmates should contribute financially towards their incarceration in an effort to address the rising tide of violence nationwide.
This initiative emerges in the wake of multiple violent incidents affecting both prisons and guards throughout France earlier this month.
In an interview with TF1 on Monday, Darmanin announced intentions to “amend the law” to back a bill that was introduced in the National Assembly in March. The justice ministry estimates that maintaining the national prison system costs the state roughly €4 billion annually.
To justify the proposed measure, Darmanin referenced historical precedent, stating that “until 2003, prisoners contributed to the cost of their incarceration,” and noted the similarity to healthcare expenses, pointing out that “just as there is a fixed hospital charge, there was a fixed prison attendance charge.”
France had inmate contribution policies until 2003, when they were eliminated during Jacques Chirac’s presidency.
This proposal has arisen in light of a recent surge in violence against French prisons and correctional officers, which occurred over a two-week period in April.
Reports from France’s national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office indicate that a series of coordinated assaults targeted at least ten prisons over five nights, with attackers employing automatic weapons.
In response to these incidents, nearly 200 investigators have been assigned to track down those responsible. This week, police arrested 25 suspects following coordinated operations across the country.
Both Darmanin and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau have identified drug traffickers as the likely culprits, implying that the assaults were acts of retaliation against the government’s efforts to crack down on gang leaders operating from within prisons.
Darmanin shared an open letter on X on Monday, reaffirming his “total determination” to safeguard prison staff. “The absolutely unacceptable violence and threats committed against you [prison officers] and prisons in recent days have rightly shocked you,” he expressed. The letter outlined new initiatives designed to protect the anonymity and safety of prison guards.
Responsibility for the prison attacks has been claimed by a group identifying itself as the Defense of the Rights of French Prisoners. This group has utilized its Telegram channel to distribute threats and propaganda directed at correctional facilities and their staff.
At the same time, France has repeatedly faced criticism from the European Court of Human Rights regarding the condition of its prison system, with rulings emphasizing problems such as overcrowding and substandard living conditions. Despite these findings, reports indicate that challenges continue, with some prisons operating beyond their intended capacity and lacking the necessary facilities to maintain humane treatment for inmates.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
