French prison report alleges 'systemic violence'; minister responds

A severe report from France's prison oversight body has accused staff at the Condé-sur-Sarthe high-security prison of committing "systemic violence" against inmates. The General Controller of Places of Deprivation of Liberty (CGLPL) detailed humiliating practices and abuses of power within the unit dedicated to combating organized crime.

The CGLPL's findings, based on visits and testimonies from inmates and staff, describe a prison environment marked by bullying, violence, and degrading treatment. The report specifically highlights that guards in the organized crime unit and isolation wing are consistently hooded. This practice prevents inmates from identifying abusive officers, fostering a "sense of impunity," according to the document.

Searches are described as humiliating or brutal, sometimes involving physical contact with inmates' buttocks and genitals. The report also notes that the start of the morning shift can involve aggressive shouting, banging on doors, and hostile confrontations. The use of dehumanizing keywords like "Parloir" (visiting room), "Fenêtre" (window), or "Promenade" (walk) instead of direct communication further illustrates the intimidating atmosphere.

In response to the CGLPL's urgent recommendations, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin stated that no legal proceedings, including urgent liberty requests, claims for undignified detention conditions, or criminal complaints, have yet substantiated allegations of fundamental rights violations at the facility. He assured that the prison operates in compliance with legal, ethical, and security requirements.

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une logique d’intimidation et d’abuso de pouvoir.