Overview

• The CGLPL publicly called for at least a partial shutdown of the Marseille-La Valentine facility after an unannounced 7–11 July inspection found grave breaches of minors’ rights.
• The report describes severely degraded conditions including graffiti-stained cell walls, doorless showers and damaged or makeshift mattresses, with accounts of frugal meals, scarce hygiene products and costly phone access.
• Inspectors flagged a degrading practice known as “mise en grille,” confining adolescents in barred rooms without seating, potable water or toilets for up to five hours, which the minister says was stopped on 20 August.
• The watchdog attributes the crisis to staff absenteeism and demobilization that have produced prolonged confinement and a collapse of education and care for detained boys aged 13 to 18 in a 59-bed site.
• Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has tasked the Inspection générale de la justice with a formal review and plans to close one to two units in September for progressive cell repairs, while asserting some past refurbishments and blaming heavy wear by detainees.