Prison conditions in French Polynesia criticized

The Council of the Bar Association in French Polynesia has expressed serious concerns about the poor conditions in local prisons, including overcrowding, unsanitary environments, and failure to follow court orders. These issues were highlighted during a meeting on October 9, 2026, where the council directly confronted the Minister of Justice.

Detainees face severe living conditions

Prisoners are reportedly held in extremely cramped spaces, with five individuals in individual cells. Rats are said to be present in common areas, entering during sleep and even consuming food. Tap water is described as cloudy, and prisoners have resorted to using clothing to block pipes to prevent pests, while some are forced to wash hands in toilet bowls due to the lack of sinks.

Bar association breaks silence on prison reality

In a formal motion signed on October 15 by President Béatrice Eyrignoux, the Council of the Bar Association of Papeete revealed the grim conditions in Polynesian prisons. Lawyers collected testimonies during prison visits and presented them to administrative courts, describing a severe health crisis and unsanitary environment.

Court order ignored for over two years

The bar association points to a legal failure, noting that on June 25, 2024, an administrative court ordered the Ministry of Justice to install hot water in all cell showers within two years. Despite this, the directive has not been implemented, leaving the decision unused and unenforced.

Legal rights and dignity violated

Lawyers argue that the lack of action violates both the European Convention on Human Rights, specifically Article 3, which bans inhumane treatment, and Article L. 6 of the Penitentiary Code, which mandates the protection of human dignity. This situation parallels France's past condemnation by the European Court of Human Rights in 2020 in the case J.M.B. and others v. France.

Bar association demands compliance with court decisions

The Council of the Bar Association strongly opposes the non-implementation of court rulings and has instructed its president to file a formal complaint with the Minister of Justice. A copy of the motion has also been sent to the High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia, emphasizing that justice must not stop at the prison gates.