The new Minister of Justice Eric Dupond-Moretti welcomed Tuesday the "historically low" occupancy rates at the Fresnes prison (Val-de-Marne), chosen for his first trip, and said he wanted to "continue" on this path. As soon as the former criminal lawyer, known for his numerous acquittals, arrived, detainees shouted "acquittator" and "come and defend us". After a visit of around forty-five minutes, Eric Dupond-Moretti said that he was "concerned about freedom, the conditions of detention, the working conditions of prison staff".
"Passive but attentive witness" of a meeting between prisoners and prison staff, the Minister of Justice heard them say "the same thing: fewer prisoners, slightly less discomfort and better working conditions for prison staff" . "It is to meditate," said the minister in a brief statement to the press. Fresnes prison is one of the most dilapidated in France and was one of the most overcrowded before the Covid-19 epidemic which allowed many detainees to be released in advance.
As of January 1, prison density was 142%. The remand center currently has 1,679 detainees for 1,603 places, an occupancy rate of 115%. “There are obviously conditions of detention which remain very difficult. Anyone who thinks three-star prison is completely wrong, and they should be quiet, "said the Minister of Justice. "We are in occupancy rates here which are historically low and it is undoubtedly the way which it is necessary to pursue, in any case it is my conviction", concluded Eric Dupond-Moretti.
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- Justice Ministry
- Jail
- Eric Dupond-Moretti