French anti-terrorism prosecutors probing prison-related attacks

ISTANBUL

After a new spate of prison-related violence, France’s special anti-terrorism prosecutors on Wednesday took over investigating the incidents, said local media.

The prosecutors are investigating allegations of participation in a terrorist criminal conspiracy and destruction or damage in an organized group to the property of others in connection with a terrorist enterprise, according to BFM TV.

The new investigation follows an incident where three vehicles were set on fire early Wednesday morning in the staff parking lot of the Tarascon detention center in southern France.

Separately, a fire was reported in the entrance hall of a residential building housing a prison officer near Meaux-Chauconin-Neufmontiers in Seine-et-Marne in northern France.

The acronym "DDPF," referring to the group Defense of French Prisoners, was found spray painted on a wall. The group previously claimed responsibility for similar attacks on French correctional facilities via social media.

Since Sunday, prisons in Toulon, Nanterre, Valence, Luynes, and Agen have faced similar incidents, including vehicle fires and attacks by automatic weapon.

ISTANBUL

After a new spate of prison-related violence, France’s special anti-terrorism prosecutors on Wednesday took over investigating the incidents, said local media.

The new investigation follows an incident where three vehicles were set on fire early Wednesday morning in the staff parking lot of the Tarascon detention center in southern France.

Separately, a fire was reported in the entrance hall of a residential building housing a prison officer near Meaux-Chauconin-Neufmontiers in Seine-et-Marne in northern France.

Since Sunday, prisons in Toulon, Nanterre, Valence, Luynes, and Agen have faced similar incidents, including vehicle fires and attacks by automatic weapon.