Minister Darmanin Bans ‘Recreational Activities’ in French Prisons
Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin has ordered the cessation of all "recreational activities" in French prisons that do not fall under the categories of education, French language proficiency, or sports. This decision follows a recent controversy surrounding the provision of facials to inmates at the Toulouse-Seysses detention center.
Last week, the FO Justice union of that facility condemned the organization of such an activity, which took place on Valentine’s Day. According to the newspaper La Dépêche, which first reported the incident, approximately 20 inmates received free facial massages from a school in Toulouse, just a week after a "country dance" event.
"It is out of the question to have recreational activities that shock our fellow citizens and that profoundly disturbed me when I learned that this free activity that was proposed locally had been accepted," Darmanin stated. He was questioned about the matter after visiting the Condé-sur-Sarthe penitentiary center in Orne, one of four sites being considered for a new maximum-security prison for dangerous drug traffickers.
"I have asked the director of the prison administration… that instructions be given to all directors of penitentiary centers and prisons, so that we limit our activities solely to academic support, French language proficiency, activities related to work, and sports within the confines of the prison," the minister told reporters. He stressed the need to "completely halt these activities, which no one understands the purpose of," and confirmed that they would be terminated starting Monday.
Darmanin added that he would visit the Saint-Maur prison in Indre before making a final decision on the location for the new narcotrafficking facility, which is expected to open on July 31st. In addition to Condé-sur-Sarthe, the minister has already inspected the penitentiary centers of Vendin-le-Vieil in Pas-de-Calais and the central prison of Arles. He had previously announced that he would make his decision "within the next ten days."
Reactions to the Ban
The ban on recreational activities has garnered mixed reactions. Some have expressed support for the measure, arguing that prisons should focus on rehabilitation and punishment, not on providing entertainment. Others have criticized the move, claiming that it deprives inmates of essential outlets for stress relief and personal growth.
Philippe Bonnet, a researcher at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), has argued that such activities can have positive effects on detainees’ mental health and socialization. He believes that the ban could have unintended consequences, such as increasing tensions and frustration within prisons.
Implications for the Prison System
The ban on recreational activities raises questions about the future of rehabilitation efforts in French prisons. While the priority remains on security and order, there is a growing recognition that inmates need opportunities for recreation, education, and personal development.
The decision to ban all non-essential activities may reflect a shift towards a more punitive approach to incarceration. Critics argue that such a stance will do little to address the underlying problems that contribute to crime and recidivism.
Conclusions
The ban on recreational activities in French prisons has sparked a debate about the role of the prison system and the balance between punishment and rehabilitation. While the government’s focus on security is understandable, it is important to consider the potential consequences of depriving inmates of essential opportunities for personal growth and well-being.
As the decision-making process continues regarding the location of the new maximum-security prison for drug traffickers, it is crucial to ensure that a comprehensive and forward-looking approach is taken, one that balances the need for public safety with the goal of reducing recidivism and promoting reintegration.
