French Prison Attacks Reclassified as Organized Crime

French anti-terrorism prosecutors announced Friday they were dropping their investigation into 30 suspects linked to a wave of coordinated prison attacks, concluding the acts constituted "major organized crime" rather than terrorism.

The attacks in April targeted multiple prisons and facilities across France, with assailants burning cars, firing automatic weapons at a prison entrance, and leaving cryptic graffiti. Authorities arrested 30 individuals—including four minors—in nationwide raids this week, though seven were later released without charge.

Shift from Terrorism to Organized Crime Probe

Initially, the case fell under anti-terror prosecutors due to its coordinated nature. However, the National Jurisdiction for the Fight Against Organized Crime (JUNALCO) has now taken over.

In a joint statement, prosecutors clarified that the attacks lacked ties to terrorism, stating: "There is no evidence these actions were part of a terrorist enterprise aimed at disrupting public order through intimidation or terror. No violent radical ideology or foreign influence was identified."

Instead, investigators linked the assaults to drug trafficking networks, with suspects allegedly recruited online and offered payment to carry out the attacks. At least one detained suspect is tied to Marseille’s notorious DZ Mafia cartel.

Suspects Face Charges as Government Vows Crackdown

Twenty-one individuals, including two minors, were charged and appeared before judges in Paris on Friday. Prosecutors requested pre-trial detention for all, citing their roles in planning, recruiting, or executing the attacks. Some suspects allegedly orchestrated operations from inside prisons.

Graffiti left at crime scenes—"DDPF" (Droits des Prisonniers Français, or "Rights of French Prisoners")—aligned with a Telegram group criticizing Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin’s policies. The account’s creator, already in custody for drug offenses, is among the accused.

The attacks have intensified scrutiny on France’s right-leaning government, which recently passed a bill to incarcerate high-risk traffickers in maximum-security units. President Emmanuel Macron pledged the perpetrators would be "found, tried, and punished," while Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin and Justice Minister Bruno Retailleau vowed to escalate efforts against drug-related crime.

Over 300 investigators worked on the case, with additional suspects expected to face separate proceedings in Lyon.