Two inmates escaped from a prison in Dijon, France, using saw blades dropped from drones, according to French police. The escapees, a 19-year-old facing charges of attempted murder and criminal conspiracy, and a 32-year-old accused of making threats and violence, sawed through their cell bars before using blankets to bypass the prison’s security perimeter.
The escape was discovered by guards just before dawn, prompting a search for the fugitives who are considered dangerous. The Force Ouvrière union confederation reported that deteriorating security at the Dijon prison had been previously highlighted, with management failing to address concerns despite warnings.
Criticism has been directed at Justice Minister Darmanin for allegedly prioritizing crime-fighting efforts over prison support. The overcrowded conditions in French prisons have exacerbated issues, with occupancy rates exceeding capacity limits, affecting the overall management of the prison system.
The incident follows a recent escape from Rennes-Vézin prison, where a 37-year-old inmate fled during a visit to a planetarium. The Justice Minister promptly dismissed the prison governor in response to the security breach. Previous prison breakouts in France have underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the country’s prison services, with calls for reforms and better management to address these recurring issues.