Fleury-Mérogis (91): several prison officers injured

On Thursday 6 April, in the early afternoon, inmates at Fleury-Mérogis Prison in Essonne (91) were out on the exercise yard. A physical altercation broke out between two prisoners, prompting prison officers to intervene. A full-scale brawl ensued, with the prison officers coming under a violent assault from the prisoners with unprecedented ferocity. Indeed, according to *Le Parisien*, of the six officers attacked, some are still being treated in hospital to undergo MRI scans for blows to the head. Two of them are in plaster casts for fractures to their leg and arm. This incident has prompted an immediate reaction from the trade unions: a demonstration outside the prison is planned for today, along with a blockade until Monday, possibly followed by a strike. The causes are easily identifiable and, unfortunately, well known: prison overcrowding and the presence of difficult young offenders do not make the work of prison officers any easier, especially as they are already severely understaffed. The Secours Info team wishes the injured officers a speedy recovery and offers its full support for their demands.