In one year, the prison population has increased by 14.6% and the increase continues.
The number of people incarcerated in French prisons in fact increased again in May.
As of June 1, 2021, there were 66,591 detainees for 60,794 operational places, according to statistical data from the Ministry of Justice.
This represents an increase of 1.8% compared to the previous month when the number of prisoners stood at 65,384.
908 inmates sleep on a mattress on the floor
Prison density in the 188 penitentiary establishments in mainland France and overseas stands at 109.5% against 108% on May 1.
It is 128.6% in remand centers, where prisoners awaiting trial and those sentenced to short sentences are held.
In La Roche-sur-Yon and Tarbes, the prison density reaches 210.3% and 200% respectively.
In addition, on June 1, 908 detainees were forced to make do with a mattress placed on the floor.
And among those incarcerated, 28.8% (or 19,168) are defendants detained pending trial.
The Covid had brought down the prison population
Prison overcrowding is regularly singled out.
In January 2020, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) thus condemned France for the conditions of detention in overcrowded prisons, recommending that measures be taken to address this “structural problem”.
The coronavirus epidemic had drastically reduced the prison population.
Due to declining admissions and early release measures, the average prison occupancy rate fell below the 100% threshold in spring 2020.
But since September 2020, and the resumption of full judicial activity, the number of detainees has continued to climb.
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Justice
Jail
Inmates
Prison overcrowding
Society