New record number of prisoners in France with 77,880 people incarcerated on June 1

More and more prisoners in France. The number of people incarcerated in the country has increased again to reach a new record on June 1, with 77,880 people incarcerated compared to 77,647 the previous month, according to figures published Friday, June 28 by the Ministry of Justice. This is the ninth consecutive month of increase in the prison population, which has increased by 5.7% in one year. This situation forces 3,322 prisoners to sleep on a mattress on the floor, compared to 2,336 a year ago. As of June 1, French prisons had 61,694 operational places.

The overall prison density is 126.2%, but in remand centres, where prisoners awaiting trial and therefore presumed innocent, and those sentenced to short sentences are incarcerated, it reaches 151%. It even reaches or exceeds 200% in 16 establishments or districts. Among those incarcerated, 20,466 are defendants, in detention awaiting their final judgment. In total, 95,292 people were placed under lock and key as of June 1.

Among them, there are 17,412 non-detainees placed under an electronic bracelet or placed outside. The problem of prison overcrowding was once again highlighted during the movement to block prisons launched after the fatal attack on a prison van in Eure in mid-May.