In a press release, the Gard des Sceaux, Gérald Darmanin, returns to the taking of hostages in Arles prison this Friday, January 3, 2025.
It was around 11:15 a.m. that a hostage-taking occurred at the central center in Arles, at the health unit of the establishment. “A detained person held four healthcare staff (three nurses and a psychiatrist) as well as a prison guard for more than four hours.”
Faced with the situation, movements within the establishment were blocked and national and local crisis units were triggered. The ERIS (regional intervention and security team) from Marseille quickly arrived on site while members of the establishment's ELSP (local prison security team) stood ready to intervene. The RAID, immediately put on alert, joined the ERIS at the beginning of the afternoon.
Press conference after the hostage-taking at Arles prison. The inmate eventually surrendered without causing any injuries. The Bouches-du-Rhône police prefect, Pierre-Édouard Colliex and the public prosecutor are on site. • Photo MaxPPP
The Minister of Justice monitored the situation in real time. The deputy interregional director, the police prefect, the public prosecutor of Tarascon, the mayor of Arles and the sub-prefect visited the site.
“As part of negotiations with the hostage taker, the psychiatrist doctor was able to be released at the beginning of the afternoon. The RAID then intervened around 3:30 p.m., allowing the release of the four other personnel and putting an end to the hostage taking. Psychological support has been put in place at the establishment. A judicial investigation has been opened. completes the cabinet of Gérald Darmanin
