Gérald Darmanin Clarifies Plans for Controversial High-Security Prison in French Guiana
Justice Minister addresses backlash regarding the proposed prison in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, emphasizing its focus on local criminal networks.
During a visit to French Guiana on May 19, 2025, Gérald Darmanin, the French Minister of Justice, sought to clarify his recent announcements regarding the opening of a high-security wing in the new prison facility set to be constructed in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.
The facility is slated to open by 2028.
The plans became contentious following reports by a French weekly that the prison would have a capacity of 500 inmates and could potentially house serious offenders, including drug traffickers, individuals categorised as 'S' (a designation for individuals posing a security threat), and radicalised prisoners.
Such possibilities indicated that some inmates might be transferred from mainland France.
In an interview with the publication, Darmanin indicated that the prison's purpose would be to 'permanently remove the heads of drug trafficking networks,' asserting that those incarcerated would no longer have contact with their criminal connections.
However, the announcement drew significant criticism from local officials and community leaders in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, which has historical ties as a former penal colony and is located near the Suriname border.
Critics described the proposal as reminiscent of a 'return to the penal colony era.'
In response to the backlash, Darmanin reiterated during his visit to the Rémire-Montjoly penitentiary, the only operational prison in Guyana, that the high-security wing would not accommodate detainees from mainland France.
'There is more than enough to address in terms of crime and delinquency in French Guiana and the Antilles,' he stated.
The proposed secure area is expected to include approximately 60 places specifically designated for isolating local narcotraffickers.
The establishment of a prison in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is part of a long-standing initiative, with the project originally forecasted for completion in 2026. Although the site is described as being situated 'in the heart of the Amazon rainforest,' it is, in fact, located merely a few kilometres from Saint-Laurent, which has a population exceeding 50,000.
Currently, officials have not signed the building permit for the project.
The new facility aims to reduce overcrowding at Rémire-Montjoly, which is operating at overcapacity with approximately 1,100 inmates despite having only 614 available places, as reported by the UFAP-Unsa Justice union.
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, historically a significant entry point for convicts from mainland France between 1850 and 1938, has become known as a hub for drug trafficking in French Guiana.
The region has the highest crime rate in France proportionally, with 2023 recording an alarming homicide rate of 20.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the national average of 1.5 per 100,000.
The facility is slated to open by 2028.
The plans became contentious following reports by a French weekly that the prison would have a capacity of 500 inmates and could potentially house serious offenders, including drug traffickers, individuals categorised as 'S' (a designation for individuals posing a security threat), and radicalised prisoners.
Such possibilities indicated that some inmates might be transferred from mainland France.
In an interview with the publication, Darmanin indicated that the prison's purpose would be to 'permanently remove the heads of drug trafficking networks,' asserting that those incarcerated would no longer have contact with their criminal connections.
However, the announcement drew significant criticism from local officials and community leaders in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, which has historical ties as a former penal colony and is located near the Suriname border.
Critics described the proposal as reminiscent of a 'return to the penal colony era.'
In response to the backlash, Darmanin reiterated during his visit to the Rémire-Montjoly penitentiary, the only operational prison in Guyana, that the high-security wing would not accommodate detainees from mainland France.
'There is more than enough to address in terms of crime and delinquency in French Guiana and the Antilles,' he stated.
The proposed secure area is expected to include approximately 60 places specifically designated for isolating local narcotraffickers.
The establishment of a prison in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is part of a long-standing initiative, with the project originally forecasted for completion in 2026. Although the site is described as being situated 'in the heart of the Amazon rainforest,' it is, in fact, located merely a few kilometres from Saint-Laurent, which has a population exceeding 50,000.
Currently, officials have not signed the building permit for the project.
The new facility aims to reduce overcrowding at Rémire-Montjoly, which is operating at overcapacity with approximately 1,100 inmates despite having only 614 available places, as reported by the UFAP-Unsa Justice union.
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, historically a significant entry point for convicts from mainland France between 1850 and 1938, has become known as a hub for drug trafficking in French Guiana.
The region has the highest crime rate in France proportionally, with 2023 recording an alarming homicide rate of 20.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the national average of 1.5 per 100,000.
