Overview

• The Parquet national antiterroriste (Pnat) is investigating 13 of the most severe attacks, including shootings and arson, while local prosecutors handle 52 additional cases across 30 departments.
• A group called Défense des droits des prisonniers français (DDPF) has claimed responsibility, posting threatening videos and offering bounties for prison staff addresses via encrypted channels.
• Ministers Gérald Darmanin and Bruno Retailleau attribute the attacks to narcotrafficking networks, linking them to recent legislation imposing stricter penalties on drug offenses.
• Union representatives demand urgent perimeter security audits and enhanced protections for prison staff, citing vulnerabilities such as outdated infrastructure and insufficient surveillance.
• Authorities have mobilized 125 investigators to address the escalating threat, with government leaders visiting affected sites to express support for penitentiary personnel.