Arles Prison Hostage-Taker Transferred to Psychiatric Care After Standoff

A 37-year-old inmate, deemed highly dangerous, surrendered after a five-hour hostage situation without causing injuries.

The inmate, serving 18 years for armed sexual assault, held five people hostage in the prison's medical unit on Friday.
He used improvised weapons to threaten four medical staff and one prison guard, barricading himself in the unit.
Authorities believe his motive was to demand a transfer to another facility, though no formal request was made.
A psychiatric evaluation determined he suffered from severe personality disorder decompensation, necessitating forced hospitalization.
The standoff ended peacefully after prolonged negotiations, with the detainee now in a specialized psychiatric facility awaiting further legal proceedings.