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Top Inmates Challenge Transfer to New High-Security Prison

Their objections could stall transfers scheduled before the July 31 opening under a strict isolation regime meant to sever crime leadership from external networks.

Overview

  • The specialized Vendin-le-Vieil facility is set to receive its first 100 high-risk narcotraffickers on July 31 as part of a two-site plan to house France’s 200 most dangerous offenders.
  • Guy B., known as Mareko Scarla, and at least one other detainee have formally disputed their transfer orders, citing procedural flaws and concerns over limited contact conditions.
  • On July 19, Guy B. and his lawyer met Beauvais prison officials to submit observations before planning to lodge both urgent and full appeals with the administrative tribunal.
  • The isolation regime, inspired by Italy’s 41-bis anti-mafia model, includes reinforced cells, drone signal jammers, communication restrictions, and videoconferencing for visits.
  • The Justice Ministry and prison administration maintain that Vendin-le-Vieil will open as planned and that Condé-sur-Sarthe will join it to fulfill the 200-inmate capacity designated on March 6.