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Orange Reopens Marseille Site Under Guard as Unions Decry Safety Measures

Officials say reinforced patrols will allow a calm return to work.

Overview

  • The Saint-Mauront campus reopened Monday after a 15‑day shutdown triggered by violence linked to drug trafficking.
  • The prefecture cited conditions for a calm resumption with strengthened police patrols around the site, private security at the nearby metro, a security audit underway, and a planned visit by the Bouches‑du‑Rhône police chief.
  • Union leaders criticized the response as ill‑suited to on‑the‑ground risks, pointing to brief guidance such as telling staff to lie under desks during gunfire.
  • Union representatives said two people were wounded by gunfire during the closure, which they argue heightens employee fear about returning.
  • About 800 employees are due to return gradually, though some will remain remote due to apprehension and psychological distress, according to staff responsible for security.