In overcrowded prisons, the effects of the heat wave are multiplied
In often overcrowded and unsuitable penitentiary establishments, the hot weather is particularly difficult to bear. The heat wave has been applied since “Last weekend” In “The set of French prisons”according to the Ministry of Justice. But this plan “Do not solve the real question: overpopulation” With detainees sometimes four per cell, estimates Jean-François Fogliarino, secretary general of the National Union of Prison Directors (SNDP-CFDT).
“We know how to manage the heat wave, the overpopulation less. The situation is unlivable “he said, especially in “The downtime in the city center which are not equipped in air conditioning” and where “It’s even worse to be doubled or tripled” Sleeping piled up on mattresses.
Au 1is May 2025, 83,681 people were detained for 62,570 places, an overall prison density of 133.7 %, according to figures from the Ministry of Justice. The prison density even exceeded 200 % in 23 establishments or penitentiary districts.
Heat “Exacerbate existing frustrations and tensions” and so “We must make sure to move the ground to prevent things from degenerate more than usual”comments with the agency France-Presse Wilfried Fonck, UFAP National Secretary UNSA Justice. According to him, the number of incidents and assaults have been more numerous since the start of the wave of hot weather.
On the staff side, working conditions worsen due to uniforms, pavement vests and difficulty depending on the establishments to find water points.
