Justice Minister Orders End to Recreational Activities in Prisons, Drawing Widespread Criticism

Gérald Darmanin's decision to halt non-educational activities in prisons has been condemned by NGOs and legal groups as undermining inmate rehabilitation efforts.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced the cessation of prison recreational activities unrelated to education, language learning, or sports, following controversy over spa treatments for inmates in Toulouse-Seysses.
A coalition of 31 organizations, including the Observatoire International des Prisons and the Ligue des Droits de l’Homme, criticized the decision as 'pure demagogy' and a step away from rehabilitation-focused incarceration policies.
Critics argue that these activities play a vital role in fostering self-esteem, social reintegration, and psychological balance for inmates, while also aiding prison management by reducing tensions.
The suspension of these activities has already been implemented in some facilities, despite the absence of an official circular formalizing the policy.
Advocates have called on the minister to address systemic issues like prison overcrowding and poor living conditions, which they describe as the real crises within the French penal system.