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French High Court Overturns Ban on Prison Recreational Activities

The Conseil d’État ruled that banning 'ludic' activities in prisons exceeded ministerial authority, allowing their resumption under the penitentiary code.

Selon une décision du Conseil d’État, lundi 19 mai 2025, le caractère « ludique » d’une activité ne peut justifier son interdiction en prison. Ici, une répétition de l’ONL, orchestre national de Lille, à la maison d’arrêt de Sequedin pour des détenus volontaires.
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Interdiction des activités ludiques en prison: le Conseil d'Etat désavoue Gérald Darmanin
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Overview

  • The Conseil d’État annulled Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin's February circular prohibiting recreational ('ludic') activities in French prisons.
  • The court upheld that only 'provocative' activities harming respect for victims can be restricted, while 'ludic' activities align with the penitentiary code's rehabilitative goals.
  • The ban, prompted by media reports of spa treatments at Toulouse-Seysses prison, led to the suspension of about 100 programs across French facilities.
  • NGOs, including the Observatoire international des prisons and Ligue des droits de l’homme, challenged the ban, arguing it undermined inmates’ right to reintegration.
  • The ruling emphasizes the balance between punishment and rehabilitation, reaffirming the prison system's mandate to support social reintegration.