Friday January 3, 2025, the Arles central house was the scene of a five-hour hostage taking. A 37-year-old inmate, known for his psychiatric disorders, detained five staff members, including three nurses, a psychiatrist and a prison guard. Armed with several homemade weapons, he took refuge in the infirmary, demanding a transfer to another establishment.
A supervisor who participated in the intervention testified anonymously. “ When the alarm went off, we positioned ourselves to secure the area. We have the means offered to us by the prison administration, namely a CRS type outfit, a helmet and a shield “, he explained. The madman was observed “ through the window » and thanks to surveillance cameras. “ He had barricaded himself and was preparing for a possible assault “, he added.
Demands and threats
Sentenced to 18 years in prison for violent rape, the Arles inmate appeared particularly agitated and threatening according to testimony collected by RTL. “ He complained a lot about his conditions of detention », indicated the supervisor. The hostage taker accused “ the staff and the administration as a whole but also the State » to persecute him. He initially asked to speak to the prefect, before demanding to speak to the minister. According to the testimony, “ his primary demand was the transfer ».
The inmate used “ craft type weapons made with iron », a recurring problem in penitentiary establishments. “ Prisoners have so much stuff in their cells that they can arm themselves », lamented the supervisor.
-A controlled intervention
Thanks to negotiations, the five hostages were released without injury. A supervisor present inside the infirmary was praised for his professionalism. “ We were lucky to have someone with experience who knew how to keep the staff as safe as possible. He showed great courage, he was ready to make the sacrifice if it was necessary “, testified the supervisor.
This event raises questions about security in French prisons. While the new Minister of Justice Darmanin wants to isolate the 100 biggest drug traffickers and build new prisons, the situation already seems out of control.
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