Why France is building a high-security prison deep in the Amazon jungle
The goal is to keep some of the country's most dangerous criminals, like drug traffickers and extremists, completely cut off from the outside world. By placing them in such a remote location, authorities hope to stop these prisoners from running criminal networks even while behind bars.
French Guiana: A strategic location
French Guiana, on the northeastern coast of South America, has been a key route in the international drug trade for years. Its remote location and closeness to drug-producing countries like Brazil and Suriname have made it a hotspot for criminal networks. By building the new prison here, the
French government
hopes to isolate dangerous criminals, especially drug lords, and limit their ability to control illegal activities from behind bars.
The new prison will be built in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, a town with a long history linked to France's old prison system. It was once the gateway to the infamous Devil's Island penal colony. Now, it's set to house some of the country's most dangerous criminals. By choosing such a remote spot, the government wants to make sure these inmates stay cut off from the outside world, limiting their ability to influence or run criminal networks, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin told Le Journal du Dimanche (JDD), as quoted by BBC News.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
[Click Here] 2025 Best Luxury Hotel Prices
Expertinspector
Learn More
Undo
In recent years, France's prison system has faced growing problems with violence and gang activity inside jails. To tackle this, the government is stepping up efforts to break the grip of organized crime behind bars. The new prison will have space for around 500 inmates.
As quoted by the BBC, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin told Le Journal du Dimanche (JDD) newspaper that, 'This new facility will be a lasting means of removing the heads of the drug trafficking networks.'
A major focus of the new prison is its advanced security measures. Mobile phones and other illegal communication devices have been a big problem in French prisons, letting criminals stay in touch with their networks. This facility will use special technology to block these devices, as mentioned in the BBC report.
The French government is also working to improve its legal and prosecution systems. New laws have been introduced to give law enforcement more power and create special teams in the prosecution office focused on breaking up organized crime networks.
These steps aim to tackle crime both inside prisons and in the wider community.
The future of France's prison system
According to the report, the facility is expected to open by 2028, and the world will be watching to see if it can effectively disrupt criminal organizations. Though ambitious, the plan shows France's determination to take strong action against crime.
Building this high-security prison is just one part of France's bigger plan to improve how it fights organized crime.
With tougher laws, better security, and more resources focused on tackling criminal gangs, the government aims to bring order back to its prisons and stop criminals from spreading their influence.
However, the success of this plan will depend on how well it can stop these criminal networks from operating. By isolating their leaders and cutting off their contact with the outside world, France hopes to weaken their control over the drug trade and other illegal activities.
As this ambitious project moves ahead, the French government is making it clear that it is serious about fighting crime and stopping criminals from acting without consequences. Whether this new prison will solve France's prison problems is still uncertain, but it signals a new phase in the country's fight against organized crime.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
13 minutes ago
- Mint
X slams French prosecutors' ‘political' probe over algorithm manipulation and data extraction, refuses data access
Elon Musk's social media platform X has accused French prosecutors of launching a "politically-motivated criminal investigation" that threatens free speech and violates legal norms. The platform, formerly known as Twitter, said it would not cooperate with the probe, denying all allegations of wrongdoing. 'X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech,' the company posted via its Global Government Affairs account on Monday. Earlier this month, Paris prosecutors escalated their preliminary probe into a full criminal investigation. The focus: suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction by X. This move gives police sweeping powers, including conducting searches, wiretaps, and placing executives under surveillance. Authorities can now summon Musk or X executives for testimony. Should they refuse, judges may issue arrest warrants. Prosecutors sent a judicial request on July 19 asking for access to X's recommendation algorithm and real-time data. X declined, asserting its legal right to do so. 'We refused the request as we have a legal right to do,' X said. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed the request and stated that a secure channel was offered to protect data confidentiality. It has not yet received an official reply from the company. Refusal to comply could result in fines or charges of obstruction of justice. X has also objected to the case being investigated under organized crime statutes, which could allow French authorities to wiretap the personal devices of X employees. The prosecutor's office noted that the alleged offenses carry maximum penalties of up to 10 years in prison. Musk, a former ally of Donald Trump, has repeatedly accused European governments of suppressing free expression. The dispute is likely to intensify transatlantic tensions over content regulation. The European Commission has been investigating X since late 2023 for suspected violations of the Digital Services Act, a law aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in digital platforms. X claims the case was instigated by French MP Eric Bothorel, who accused the platform of algorithm manipulation for foreign interference — an allegation X called 'completely false.' Bothorel defended the probe: 'France is committed to free speech but not without limits. The absence of responsibility and oversight endangers freedom just as much as prohibitions and censorship do,' he said. X also criticised the involvement of researchers David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi, accusing them of hostility toward the platform. Panahi denied any involvement: 'My name was mentioned by mistake… I will not hesitate to pursue legal action for defamation should I receive any form of hate speech,' he said in an email. A spokesperson for X reiterated that the company stands by its statement and continues to oppose what it sees as a dangerous precedent for politically driven investigations into free expression.
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
Bru leaders seek HM's intervention on resettlement issues in Tripura
Guwahati: The Bru signatories of the Quadripartite Bru Agreement on Monday submitted a memorandum to home minister Amit Shah , seeking his immediate proactive intervention to pave the way for justice and improved living conditions for Bru families resettled in Tripura. The Quadripartite Bru Agreement initiated by Shah was signed on Jan 16, 2020. It is a landmark deal aimed at resolving the long-standing humanitarian crisis of the Bru (Reang) refugees, who fled ethnic violence in Mizoram and lived in relief camps in Tripura for over two decades. The agreement was signed between MHA, govts of Tripura and Mizoram and representatives of Bru refugees. The Bru leaders also expressed solidarity with a 77-year-old member of the community, Zothanga, who is on an indefinite hunger strike to advocate for the fundamental rights and dignity of the Bru resettled families across the 13 settlement locations in Tripura. "We implore you to consider Zothanga's demands and take necessary steps to address the grievances of the Bru families," they submitted in the memorandum reminding Shah that his commitment made during his visit on March 9 on issuance of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration cards. They urged that AAY ration cards are issued immediately, along with an increase of 5kg of ration per head. "This increment is vital to addressing the nutritional needs of every Bru family, ensuring food security, and enhancing our quality of life," they stated. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo They also pressed for allocation of agricultural land as per the Quadripartite Bru Agreement as "land is not just a piece of property: it represents opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and food sovereignty. Empowering us to cultivate our lands will enable us to provide for our families with dignity and respect." They further urged that each resettled Bru family deserves a legal housing plot of 30x40sqft complete with registered ownership documents.
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
Post gangster killing, hospitals told to strengthen security
Patna: Following the murder of gangster Chandan Mishra inside a private hospital, superintendent of police (east) Parichay Kumar on Monday held a meeting with hospital representatives and reviewed the security arrangements. Around 50 to 60 hospital representatives attended the meeting. The SP gave necessary instructions, which included installation of HHMD (hand held metal detector) and high-resolution CCTV cameras, to strengthen the security on hospital premises. "The objective of the meeting is to further improve the security arrangements in the hospitals," he said. Additionally, various issues raised by the hospital management were listened to seriously, and assurances were given for their appropriate resolution. Kumar said the hospitals need to increase the CCTV camera coverage to also capture roads, with a proper control room, to keep tabs on all the happenings. "If any suspicious activity is detected, inform the police or the local police stations. They should also display the contact numbers of the local police stations, SDPOs and SPs on the hospital premises," he said. "In case of any medico-legal cases or if a criminal is admitted to hospital for treatment, the administration should inform the local police station. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo These instructions were issued, and hospitals assured compliance. They mentioned employing security guards and following all guidelines provided. The HHMD should be used by all the hospitals to detect any weapons or illegal items while screening the patients, their attendants, and the visitors at the hospital," the SP said. The main instruction is for effective access control, particularly checking people, patients, their attendants, and any suspicious person, he said. Police have stepped up security and keeping an eye on hospitals after the paroled criminal Chandan Mishra was gunned down at a private hospital on Bailey Road in Patna on July 17. The police suspect security lapses and involvement of security personnel in helping the accused easily enter the hospital building and the patient's room.
