Paris: French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin declared on Tuesday that recent attacks on prison facilities across the country are being treated as "terrorist acts." This announcement comes amid a series of coordinated incidents involving arson and gunfire at multiple prison sites, raising concerns about security within the French correctional system.

According to Anadolu Agency, the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into these incidents, which are characterized as terrorist attacks by Minister Darmanin. The most recent event took place early Wednesday morning when three vehicles were set ablaze in the staff parking area of the Tarascon detention center in southern France. Police sources cited by BFMTV reported that the fire broke out around 5:20 am local time in a secured area meant exclusively for prison staff.

Laurent Gumbau, the prosecutor of Tarascon, confirmed that no slogans or messages were discovered at the crime scene. In an unrelated incident, a fire was reported in the entrance hall of a residential building housing a prison officer near Meaux-Chauconin-Neufmontiers in Seine-et-Marne. The acronym "DDPF," linked to the group Defense of French Prisoners, was found spray-painted on a wall. This group has previously claimed responsibility for similar attacks on French correctional facilities through social media channels.

Darmanin expressed his concerns to CNews, stating, "These are clearly people trying to intimidate the State." He emphasized that these acts of violence are a response to the government's stringent measures against leniency within the prison system. The minister highlighted ongoing criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, contract killings, money laundering, and threats to police and judiciary officials, as reasons for implementing recent reforms.

Since Sunday, prisons in Toulon, Nanterre, Valence, Luynes, and Agen have experienced similar incidents, including vehicle fires and attacks with automatic weapons. The French government continues to address these challenges as part of its broader effort to reform and secure the nation's prison facilities.