France to Finalize Strict Isolation Prison for Top Narcotraffickers

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin plans to announce the selected prison for a new high-security regime inspired by Italy's anti-mafia measures.

Gérald Darmanin will announce on Thursday which of four prisons will house France's 100 most dangerous narcotraffickers under a new strict isolation regime.
The selected prison will undergo technological upgrades and staff training to prepare for the arrival of inmates between May and June, with full operations by July 31, 2025.
The proposed regime includes measures such as systematic strip searches, restricted phone access, and limited family contact, drawing criticism from rights groups like the Observatoire international des prisons (OIP).
The new system is modeled after Italy's anti-mafia prison framework, which has been validated by European legal institutions despite concerns over human rights impacts.
The Council of State has been consulted to review the legal framework of the proposal, with modifications promised if necessary during parliamentary discussions.