Three suspects will face judgment in Paris on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to commit violence near the Vincennes Detention Center on Sunday evening. The detention center, also known as the Centre de rétention administrative (CRA) in Val-de-Marne, has experienced recent disturbances. The three defendants could face a potential prison term of one year and a fine of 15,000 euros if found guilty.
The Paris prosecutor’s office has accused the three individuals of participating in a group with the intent to prepare violence against people or destruction of property. The severity of these allegations underscores the gravity of the situation.
One of the individuals has a prior record for refusing to provide fingerprints and giving a fake identity, while another is currently under judicial supervision for unauthorized entry into a dwelling. The third individual has completely refused to disclose their identity. In addition to the three, nine more individuals who were arrested on New Year’s Eve are expected to be summoned to appear in court at a later date, with their placement under judicial supervision requested as well.
According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the group of individuals, comprising ten women and two men, mostly born between 1989 and 2001, was approaching the detention center in a group with their faces concealed, appearing to have hostile intentions. During their control and subsequent arrest, other individuals threw projectiles at the police, although they managed to evade arrest.
Upon searching the vehicle of one of the individuals detained, authorities discovered around thirty fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. Furthermore, the individuals in custody have opted to remain silent, complicating the investigation further.
Media reports have alleged that the arrested individuals were planning to orchestrate escapes from the detention center. However, a source close to the investigation has indicated that this intention has not been established. According to police sources, the twelve arrested individuals are affiliated with the radical left-wing movement, a detail that adds complexity to the case.
To address the recent incidents, the Prefect of Police Laurent Nuñez has announced enhanced security measures at the Vincennes Detention Center, including increased personnel and surveillance cameras. This decision follows eleven people managing to escape the facility on Christmas Day, along with an earlier escape attempt and fire on December 23.
For those unfamiliar, a Centre de rétention administrative is a facility under police guard that houses individuals awaiting deportation. The Paris-Vincennes center has a capacity for 235 individuals.
The situation near the Vincennes Detention Center has escalated and is raising concerns over the safety and security of the area. The trial of the three individuals will hopefully shed light on the events that unfolded on that fateful Sunday evening.
