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France’s Prison Population Climbs Again to 84,311, Exposing Deepening Overcrowding

New Justice Ministry figures report 134.7% occupancy nationwide, reflecting extreme pressure in remand centers.

Overview

  • The total is up by 5,342 compared with a year earlier after a brief August dip from record levels.
  • Authorities report 62,614 operational places on September 1, far below need as the population continues to grow.
  • Overcrowding exceeds 200% in 24 facilities and 150% in 66 others in the latest snapshot.
  • Remand prisons run at 164.1% occupancy, with maisons d’arrêt holding people awaiting judgment and short sentences.
  • Overall, 101,412 people are under “écrou,” including 17,101 outside prison under electronic monitoring or external placement, and 22,364 are in pretrial detention.