UPDATE: One of the two inmates who staged a daring escape from a prison in Dijon, France, has been recaptured just a day after their breakout. The man, a 32-year-old accused of domestic violence, was apprehended south of Dijon on Friday, according to prosecutor Olivier Caracotch. Authorities are still searching for the second escapee, a 19-year-old suspected of attempted murder linked to drug trafficking.
The jailbreak occurred early Thursday morning when the two detainees used bedsheets to lower themselves from their cell after sawing through the bars. Guards discovered the escape shortly before dawn. The older inmate left behind a message in his cell, claiming he had been held for “too long,” though the exact duration of his imprisonment remains unclear.
As of Friday, approximately 100 police officers are actively searching for the younger suspect. Caracotch confirmed that the fugitive is believed to be involved in a violent feud connected to drug trafficking, raising concerns about public safety as he remains at large.
Prison conditions in France are dire, with Dijon prison—built in 1853—housing 311 inmates in a facility designed for only 180. Union representative Ahmed Saih criticized the state of the facility, noting that inmates resorted to using “old-fashioned, manual saw blades” to execute their escape.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez commended the police for their swift action in recapturing one of the escapees, highlighting the ongoing challenges within the French prison system. This incident follows another escape just weeks prior in Rennes, where a convict fled during an outing and was later apprehended.
The French justice system is under scrutiny, as the government shifts resources toward high-security prisons for serious offenders, including drug traffickers and jihadists. Critics, including Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, face backlash from prison unions for neglecting overcrowded facilities like Dijon.
This development underscores the urgent need for reforms within France’s penal system, especially as public safety hangs in the balance with dangerous criminals on the loose. As the search for the remaining escapee continues, officials urge local residents to remain vigilant.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
