Over 70 detainees refused to return to their cells in a French prison, citing overcrowding and unsafe conditions, leading to a late-night intervention by security forces.
Detainees refuse to return to cells
On Sunday, November 1, 71 detainees at a men's housing block refused to return to their cells after an afternoon walk. While some eventually complied, 62 remained in the courtyard until regional intervention and security teams (ERIS) arrived around 9 p.m. to restore order.Detainees reportedly intoxicated
According to the union FO Justice, several detainees in the courtyard were "visibly intoxicated" at the time. The union also noted that five warnings were issued following the incident, though no specific details about the nature of these warnings were provided.Overcrowding cited as a concern
FO Justice linked the incident to ongoing issues with prison overcrowding. The union highlighted that many detainees can no longer tolerate being placed in cells with more than two people, a condition that has become increasingly unbearable for inmates.Staff safety and exhaustion raised
The union criticized the deteriorating conditions, stating that prison staff are experiencing "moral and physical exhaustion" and that their safety is constantly at risk. It described the situation as a crisis, warning that no sector of the prison system is unaffected by the growing instability.Recent similar incidents reported
This incident follows a similar refusal to return to cells at the Grenoble-Varces penitentiary center in Isère on October 29. An alert was also reported at the Corbas facility, where detainees have alleged violence and possible misconduct during the operation, though the details remain unclear.
