Tragic Incident at Baumettes Prison in Marseille
A violent altercation at the Baumettes prison in Marseille resulted in the death of a 22-year-old inmate on Wednesday evening. According to reports from Le Figaro and BFMTV, the victim was brutally attacked by a 25-year-old fellow inmate, leading to severe injuries including a cut throat. The incident, which occurred around 7:30 PM, has raised significant concerns regarding prison safety and the conditions within the facility.
Witness accounts reveal that an argument between the two inmates escalated into violence. The attacker, who reportedly used a broken porcelain bowl as a weapon, claimed he acted in self-defense. However, sources close to the investigation described the attack as extremely brutal, with one stating that the victim was "practically decapitated."
Ongoing Investigation and Ministerial Response
The Minister of Justice, Didier Migaud, confirmed the incident and announced that an investigation is underway. Both inmates were housed in the arrivals quarters of the prison, which is intended for new detainees awaiting assignment to a permanent location. The victim had recently been incarcerated on September 22 for drug trafficking, while the attacker, a homeless individual of Algerian descent, had been sentenced to six months for drug-related offenses.
This tragic event follows a series of violent incidents linked to drug trafficking within the prison system, prompting calls for increased scrutiny and reform. Migaud has expressed his intention to visit the Phocaean city soon, alongside the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, to address these pressing issues.
