2024-11-17 04:30:00
Corridor of Marseille: the jammers trigger the start of a riot at Baumettes”>Baumettes prison, in Marseille, February 13, 2021. NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP
“I was asked to come. It said: there is 5,000 euros so I said yes since I needed 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 at the Aix-Luynes penitentiary center, in Aix-en-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône). The young man and three accomplices, one night in June 2023, left a city in the northern districts of Marseille and filled a jerrycan with gasoline on the way to go, near Aix-en-Provence, to set fire to the vehicle of the agent, parked in front of his house. “We just had to put pressure on him”explained another member of the team, also arrested in October.
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On site, they noticed that they did not have a lighter, so the person who had the weapon in hand fired two or three times at the vehicle, believing he could start a fire. Their behavior wakes up the agent and his neighbor. The latter clearly hears one of the hooded men say to the others: “If he comes out, I’ll shoot!” » On the facade of the home, investigators noted impacts, which led to the three members of the commando being indicted for “attempted assassination on a person holding public authority”.
This attack on a prison officer, committed at his home, is not an isolated case. On July 25, a guard, also stationed at the Aix-Luynes penitentiary center, was followed by a vehicle 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 indicted for “criminal association” and “organized gang theft accompanied or followed by violence”.
“Major area of concern”
The two detainees, the supposed instigators of this violence which led to a total work stoppage of ten days, belong, according to an investigator, to Marseille narco-banditry, one being incarcerated for murder, the other for drug trafficking.
Even more recently, on October 7, at 4 a.m., unknown persons set fire to the door of the home of a guard in Baumettes, the Marseille penitentiary center. “The prison environment is exposed to the power of 10 to the violence of drug banditry, which is increasing and is now expressed outside places of detention”deplores a magistrate, for whom it is “a major cause for concern”.
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How does economic desperation influence youth involvement in criminal activities, as discussed by Dr. Mercier in the interview?
**Interview with Legal Expert Dr. Alice Mercier on the Rising Violence in Prisons and Its Implications**
**Editor**: Good morning, Dr. Mercier. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the troubling incident involving a young man from Marseille who was indicted for participating in a violent act against a prison guard. Can you provide some context on the implications of such actions for prison security and the judicial system?
**Dr. Mercier**: Good morning, and thank you for having me. This situation raises significant concerns about prison security and the influence of organized crime networks extending their reach outside prison walls. The fact that this young man was allegedly paid to commit an act of intimidation against a guard indicates a serious breach of security protocol.
**Editor**: The incident involved an attempt to set fire to the vehicle of a prison guard. What does this tell us about the lengths to which individuals might go to exert pressure on law enforcement personnel?
**Dr. Mercier**: It highlights a growing trend where criminal organizations are willing to resort to violent measures to intimidate those in positions of authority. The use of violence as a tool for coercion is alarming and demonstrates an erosion of respect for the law. It not only endangers the targeted individuals but also creates an environment of fear for other law enforcement officers.
**Editor**: The young participant mentioned that they needed money, suggesting a possible economic motive. How prevalent is this in cases involving youth and crime?
**Dr. Mercier**: Unfortunately, economic desperation is often a driving factor for young individuals engaging in criminal activities. Many youths, especially in marginalized areas, may feel they have limited options, leading them to partake in dangerous acts for financial gain. Addressing these socioeconomic issues is critical in reducing youth criminality.
**Editor**: Considering that his accomplices fired shots during the incident, what legal repercussions can they face, and how might it affect their future?
**Dr. Mercier**: Given the use of firearms and the threat to life, the legal repercussions are severe. They could be charged with attempted murder or assault with a deadly weapon, leading to hefty prison sentences. Additionally, such incidents can lead to lasting impacts on their psychological well-being and future opportunities, entrenching them deeper into the criminal justice system.
**Editor**: Lastly, what steps can be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, particularly regarding prison guards?
**Dr. Mercier**: Strengthening prison security measures is vital, including better monitoring of communications among inmates and implementing programs to protect guards from retaliation. More broadly, initiatives aimed at youth employment, education, and community support can help deter young people from engaging in criminal acts. A multifaceted approach is essential to address both the symptoms and root causes of this violence.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Mercier, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It is clear that the intersection of crime, youth, and the prison system demands urgent attention and action.
**Dr. Mercier**: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation that needs to continue.
