Macron Vows Justice as French Prisons Face Wave of Attacks

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged swift justice following a third consecutive night of violent attacks targeting prisons across France. At least nine correctional facilities and related institutions, including a training school for prison staff, have been attacked since Monday, triggering national security concerns.

On Tuesday night, a car was torched outside the home of a prison guard in Aix-Luynes, while three vehicles were set ablaze at Tarascon prison near Avignon. In the Seine-et-Marne region, a building’s door was also damaged. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) confirmed it has launched an investigation into the coordinated assaults.

Macron condemned the violence, stating on X that those responsible are attempting to “intimidate our prison workers” and vowed they “will be found, sentenced, and punished.” Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin echoed the concern, suggesting that drug traffickers may be behind the attacks, possibly retaliating against the government’s crackdown on narcotics.

Authorities noted the appearance of the acronym “DDPF” — believed to stand for “French Prisoners’ Rights” — spray-painted at several crime scenes. A Telegram group with the same name, created shortly before the attacks, is now under investigation. Police are examining whether unknown left-wing militant groups may be involved.

According to Le Parisien, one man has been arrested in connection with the DDPF group, though his exact role remains unclear. Officials have not confirmed any direct links to the recent incidents.

France has seen a surge in drug-related violence as South American cocaine imports flood European markets. Despite record drug seizures, organized gangs are expanding beyond urban strongholds like Marseille into smaller towns, heightening national security threats and straining prison infrastructure.