Prison overcrowding in Hérault has reached crisis levels, with 217% density and unsafe conditions for staff.
Prison overcrowding worsens in Hérault
The situation in prisons across the Hérault department is getting worse, with reports of severe overcrowding that unions say is now out of control. The UFAP UNSa Justice union has been making multiple statements to highlight the growing crisis in recent days.Béziers prison reaches extreme density
In Béziers, the prison's occupancy rate has reached 217 percent, with over 254 mats placed on the floor to accommodate inmates. This has led to deplorable living conditions and raised serious concerns about staff safety and detention management.Union calls overcrowding untenable
The UFAP UNSa Justice branch at Béziers described the situation as "untenable," emphasizing that overcrowding isn't just about space but also impacts safety and order. The union is calling for more staff, better resources, and an end to the practice of placing mats on the floor.Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone faces similar crisis
In Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, the prison is holding 1,120 inmates in a facility designed for only 587. This extreme overcrowding has led to tensions, as seen in a recent incident involving an inmate and a prison officer.Incident highlights unsafe conditions
On Monday, October 12, an inmate who was seeking a cell change attacked a prison officer, underscoring the dangers posed by the overcrowded and unstable environment in the facility.
