Persistent prison overcrowding and worsening detention conditions in France

In 2024, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) visited 14 police and gendarmerie detention facilities, four prisons (Fleury-Mérogis, Fresnes, Marseille-Baumettes and Villefranche-sur-Saône) and the Valentine-Marseille detention centre for children.

Allegations of violence, overcrowding and widely varying conditions of detention

While most individuals recently apprehended by the law enforcement authorities did not report any ill-treatment, the CPT received several allegations of deliberate violence, including against children. This was particularly the case in contexts involving ground immobilisation techniques which present a high risk of postural asphyxia. The Committee is calling for this practice to be reviewed.

Material conditions in some police premises remain extremely worrying, including unsanitary conditions, defective sanitary facilities and inadequate bedding. Gendarmerie premises were generally in better condition, but there were still shortcomings in terms of the safety and security of those being held. The CPT is calling for these structural deficiencies to be remedied without delay.

The visit to prisons took place against a backdrop of severe overcrowding. More than 80 000 people were being held, including around 17 000 beyond official capacity, with over 3 000 forced to sleep on mattresses on the floor.

Overcrowding affected all aspects of prison life: lack of privacy, tensions, inadequate activities and work opportunities, and difficulties in accessing healthcare. In the CPT's view, this situation can turn a prison into a human warehouse, seriously compromising human dignity.

Material conditions varied greatly from one prison to another. While some facilities had been renovated, others, notably Fresnes and Villefranche-sur-Saône, had conditions that were unfit for human detention (with overcrowded cells and unsanitary conditions, as well as rats and bed bugs). A lack of resources and staff exacerbated tensions, fuelling violence between prisoners and creating an insecure environment.

The range of activities on offer remained largely inadequate, especially for remand prisoners, who were often confined to their cells for over 20 hours a day. Access to healthcare varied greatly, with serious deficiencies in some facilities, particularly in terms of psychiatric care.

The CPT noted that juveniles deprived of their liberty were generally treated properly, but expressed its concerns about the low level of educational and recreational activities, as well as worrying situations in certain facilities, particularly at the Valentine-Marseille detention centre. It is also calling for the juvenile section at Fleury-Mérogis to be relocated.

In response to the report, the French authorities referred to the relevant legislation and stated their intention to step up staff training, combat prison overcrowding and improve the material conditions of detention, in line with the CPT's recommendations.