Record Incarceration Numbers in French Prisons as of May 1, 2025
According to the Ministry of Justice, French prisons held a total of 83,681 inmates, marking the highest figure recorded, amid ongoing concerns of severe overcrowding.
As of May 1, 2025, the number of inmates in French prisons reached an unprecedented 83,681, according to new data from the Ministry of Justice.
This figure highlights the persistent issue of endemic prison overcrowding in France.
The operational capacity of the prisons stands at only 62,570 places, resulting in an overall incarceration density of 133.7%, up from 125.3% on the same date in 2024. The year-on-year increase represents an addition of 6,000 inmates, and the total has grown by nearly 25,000 since the end of the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, which had led to early releases.
On May 1, 23 correctional facilities reported inmate densities exceeding 200%.
The overcrowding crisis has become a well-recognized issue, forcing 5,234 inmates to sleep on mattresses placed directly on the floor.
In remand facilities, where individuals awaiting trial are held — many of whom are presumed innocent — the density can reach 163.2%.
According to the Ministry's data, 54,960 inmates were situated in establishments with a density over 120%, and 45,513 were in facilities exceeding 150%.
The threshold of 80,000 inmates was first surpassed on November 1, 2024, with a total of 80,130.
Following this, the numbers have continued to rise, with a slight decrease at the start of January 2025 being a typical occurrence during that period.
The Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin, acknowledged that the situation is 'unacceptable' and has proposed constructing new prisons as a solution to this ongoing issue.
Currently, 21,957 individuals held are pre-trial detainees.
The total number of individuals under judicial supervision as of May 1 also increased to 102,116, which includes 18,435 individuals who are under electronic monitoring or other forms of external placement.
France ranks poorly regarding prison overcrowding within Europe, coming in third place behind Cyprus and Romania, as noted in a report from June 2024 by the Council of Europe.
The National General Controller of Places of Deprivation of Liberty, Dominique Simonnot, has advocated for the statutory enforcement of a regulatory framework to manage prison populations more effectively.
However, Minister Darmanin has expressed firm opposition to such proposals.
Alternatives being considered by the French authorities include the construction of modular prisons, measures for the expulsion of foreign detainees, and the differentiation of inmates based on their assessed danger levels.
Additionally, the possibility of renting prison spaces in other European facilities, particularly in Eastern Europe, is also under consideration.
'There are no taboos on this matter,' stated President Emmanuel Macron regarding potential solutions.
This figure highlights the persistent issue of endemic prison overcrowding in France.
The operational capacity of the prisons stands at only 62,570 places, resulting in an overall incarceration density of 133.7%, up from 125.3% on the same date in 2024. The year-on-year increase represents an addition of 6,000 inmates, and the total has grown by nearly 25,000 since the end of the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, which had led to early releases.
On May 1, 23 correctional facilities reported inmate densities exceeding 200%.
The overcrowding crisis has become a well-recognized issue, forcing 5,234 inmates to sleep on mattresses placed directly on the floor.
In remand facilities, where individuals awaiting trial are held — many of whom are presumed innocent — the density can reach 163.2%.
According to the Ministry's data, 54,960 inmates were situated in establishments with a density over 120%, and 45,513 were in facilities exceeding 150%.
The threshold of 80,000 inmates was first surpassed on November 1, 2024, with a total of 80,130.
Following this, the numbers have continued to rise, with a slight decrease at the start of January 2025 being a typical occurrence during that period.
The Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin, acknowledged that the situation is 'unacceptable' and has proposed constructing new prisons as a solution to this ongoing issue.
Currently, 21,957 individuals held are pre-trial detainees.
The total number of individuals under judicial supervision as of May 1 also increased to 102,116, which includes 18,435 individuals who are under electronic monitoring or other forms of external placement.
France ranks poorly regarding prison overcrowding within Europe, coming in third place behind Cyprus and Romania, as noted in a report from June 2024 by the Council of Europe.
The National General Controller of Places of Deprivation of Liberty, Dominique Simonnot, has advocated for the statutory enforcement of a regulatory framework to manage prison populations more effectively.
However, Minister Darmanin has expressed firm opposition to such proposals.
Alternatives being considered by the French authorities include the construction of modular prisons, measures for the expulsion of foreign detainees, and the differentiation of inmates based on their assessed danger levels.
Additionally, the possibility of renting prison spaces in other European facilities, particularly in Eastern Europe, is also under consideration.
'There are no taboos on this matter,' stated President Emmanuel Macron regarding potential solutions.
