2024-11-17 04:30:00
“I was asked to come. It said: there are 5,000 euros so I said yes because I needed the money. It was just to burn a car. » Indicted at the beginning of October, this young 19-year-old from Marseille admitted to having participated in a punitive expedition against a guard in the Aix-Luynes penitentiary centre, in Aix-en-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône). The young man and three accomplices, one night in June 2023, had left a town in the northern districts of Marseille and had filled a tank with petrol on their way, near Aix-en-Provence, to set fire to the officer’s vehicle, parked in front of his house. “We just had to put pressure on him”explained another member of the team, who was also arrested in October.
At the scene, they noticed that they did not have a lighter, so the person who had the weapon in his hand shot two or three times at the vehicle, believing he could start a fire. Their behavior wakes up the officer and his neighbor. The latter clearly hears one of the hooded men say to the others: “If he gets out, I’ll shoot!” » On the facade of the house, investigators noticed impacts that led the three members of the commando to be charged with “attempted murder against a person holding public authority”.
The attack on a prison officer, committed in his home, is not an isolated case. On 25 July, a guard, also stationed at the Aix-Luynes penitentiary centre, was followed by a vehicle coming from the prison. When she parks in front of her house, three hooded men kick and punch her, try to take her cell phone and steal her car keys. At the end of August, five people were identified, including two Luynes inmates in conflict with the supervisor. All are charged with “criminal association” and “organized group theft accompanied or followed by violence”.
“Major area of concern”
The two prisoners, alleged instigators of this violence which led to a total interruption of work for ten days, belong, according to an investigator, to Marseille narco-banditry; one is imprisoned for murder, the other for drug trafficking.
Even more recently, on October 7, at 4 in the morning, unknown assailants set fire to the door of a guard’s home in Baumettes, the penitentiary center in Marseille. “The prison environment is exposed to force 10 to the violence of drug banditry, which is on the increase and is now also expressed outside the places of detention”deplores a magistrate, for whom this is the case “a great cause for concern”.
#BouchesduRhône #prison #staff #pressure
What are the implications of organized crime’s influence on prison staff and their families?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Emilie Renard, Criminology Expert
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Renard. Thank you for joining us today. A recent incident in Marseille has raised serious concerns about interventions from the criminal underworld against prison officials. A young man admitted to participating in a punitive expedition against a guard. How significant is this event in the context of organized crime in France?
Dr. Renard: Good morning, and thank you for having me. This incident is quite alarming, as it highlights a troubling trend where individuals outside of prison are being recruited to carry out attacks on officials. It illustrates the lengths to which organized crime will go to exert influence and pressure from within prison walls. Such actions can erode the authority of the prison system and create an atmosphere of fear among staff.
Editor: The young man mentioned he was offered money to participate in this crime. Can you elaborate on how financial incentives play a role in drawing individuals into criminal activities?
Dr. Renard: Absolutely. Financial incentives can be a powerful motivator, especially for young individuals who may be in precarious economic situations, as seen in this case. Desperation can lead them to make choices that they wouldn’t normally consider. This showcases a larger societal issue where systemic inequalities drive people toward crime as a means of survival.
Editor: The plan included setting fire to a guard’s vehicle. How indicative is this level of planning and aggression about the state of organized crime in prison?
Dr. Renard: The fact that such a detailed plan was executed shows a certain level of organization and premeditation that is concerning. It suggests that there are networks operating both inside and outside of prisons, coordinating actions and instilling fear among prison officials. This is not just random violence; it’s a calculated move meant to send a message.
Editor: Witness reports indicated that there was a moment when the perpetrators considered using lethal force if the guard emerged. What does this reveal about the mindset of individuals engaging in such activities?
Dr. Renard: It reveals a dangerous mentality where threats of violence become normalized. The willingness to escalate a relatively benign act of property damage into a potential homicide is indicative of the desensitization to violence that can occur in criminal environments. It highlights a troubling loss of empathy, where the individuals involved prioritize the mission over human life.
Editor: With incidents like this making headlines, what steps do you think authorities should take to combat organized crime’s influence on prison officials and their families?
Dr. Renard: First and foremost, there needs to be a robust increase in security measures for prison staff and their families. Additionally, intelligence operations should be enhanced to monitor and dismantle these organized networks. Engagement with local communities, addressing the root causes of crime, and providing better socio-economic opportunities are also crucial long-term strategies.
Editor: Lastly, how can society combat the allure of crime for young people, particularly in economically challenged areas like the northern districts of Marseille?
Dr. Renard: It’s essential to invest in community programs that offer education, vocational training, and mental health support. Creating an environment where young people feel valued and have access to legitimate opportunities can deter them from engaging in criminal activities. Building strong role models within these communities can also help provide pathways away from crime.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Renard, for your valuable insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that addressing organized crime requires multifaceted solutions that include prevention, intervention, and strong law enforcement actions.
Dr. Renard: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these critical issues.