Overview

• Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin framed his ten-article SURE (Sanctions Rapides, Utiles et Effectives) proposal in Le JDD as a ‘révolution pénale’ to abolish simple suspended sentences, revive short prison terms and expand local criminal courts.
• Me Philippe Ohayon filed an abuse-of-authority complaint with the Cour de justice de la République over the transfer of 17 narcotics inmates to the new high-security prison at Vendin-le-Vieil.
• The Association des avocats pénalistes submitted an urgent appeal to the Conseil d’État seeking to suspend those inmate transfers, but its request was declared inadmissible.
• The Union syndicale des magistrats has challenged claims of judicial laxity by highlighting that over 90% of sentences are executed and questioning the need for tougher measures.
• A recent CSA poll for Le JDD found that 92% of French citizens support stricter justice, reinforcing Darmanin’s mandate despite rising institutional opposition.