Justice Minister’s Ban on "Recreational Activities" in French Prisons Sparks Outrage
Thirty-one organizations, including the International Observatory for Prisons (OIP), the Human Rights League, and Secours Catholique, have strongly condemned Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin’s announcement to ban all "recreational activities" in French prisons.
A Political Ploy
The organizations denounced the decision as "pure demagoguery" and called on Darmanin to reconsider and "engage in a serious reflection on the purpose of punishment and the improvement of detention conditions."
Controversial Catalyst
The minister’s decision came in the wake of a controversy surrounding facials being provided to inmates at the Toulouse-Seysses prison. Despite repeated requests from the press, the official circular outlining the implementation of the ban had not been released as of Wednesday.
Sweeping Suspension
Nonetheless, the OIP reported that "the hysteria has already spread to numerous penitentiary institutions, where all activities targeted by the Minister of Justice have been temporarily suspended."
Misinformation and Penal Focus
The statement accused the minister of "fueling disinformation rather than upholding the rehabilitation mission entrusted to his administration" and of "reinforcing a purely punitive approach to prison."
Rehabilitation and Social Cohesion
The signatories emphasized that "these activities are an integral part of work on self-esteem and social cohesion, which are essential for any rehabilitation efforts."
Scandalous Conditions
Instead of "undermining an essential mission of his ministry," the organizations urged Darmanin to address the "real scandal" of detention conditions. They cited "widespread overcrowding" and "unsanitary conditions" in French prisons, noting that on January 1st, the Seysses prison housed 1,239 inmates for a capacity of 580.
Balancing Detention and Well-being
The organizations described activities in detention as "a crucial lever, not only for preparing inmates for reintegration but also for preserving their psychological well-being." They added that "the administration often sees them as a safety valve for managing explosive detention conditions."
Demand for Reversal
"The catastrophic state of French prisons deserves better than announcements that only worsen the problem," the signatories concluded, demanding that the minister reverse his decision.
No Immediate Response
Despite being contacted by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Ministry of Justice did not provide an immediate response.
