At least 18 prisons blocked in France after radicalised inmate stabs guards
Officials describe incident as ‘terrorist attack’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.After two of their colleagues were stabbed by a radicalised inmate, protesting guards have blocked the entrances of at least 18 prisons in France.
The main CGT union said attacks against guards were becoming more common and intolerable.
The penal population was becoming “increasingly vindictive, aggressive and violent”, they said.
A total of 18 prisons were blocked after guards set fire to tyres and built barricades in front of the entrances on Wednesday morning, although the number later reduced to 10.
Demonstrators said no staff or visitors would be allowed into the prison as they protested about the dangers they face from radicalised prisoners, The Local website reported.
The protest came a day after two guards were stabbed with a ceramic knife by a prisoner whose wife was visiting.
The inmate locked himself in the room afterwards but no hostages were taken. Along with his wife, he was later shot in a police raid. His wife died from her injuries.
French officials described the stabbing as a “terrorist attack” and the country’s justice minister Nicole Belloubet said the knife may have been smuggled in by the prisoner’s wife.
In January last year, a prisoner convicted of terrorism wounded three prison guards at Vendin-le-Vieil in northern France.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments