Lyon-Corbas Remand Center Faces Severe Overcrowding, Detainee Escapes Amidst High Occupancy Rates
The Lyon-Corbas remand center, east of Lyon, is experiencing extreme overcrowding, with an occupancy rate of 180%. The facility currently houses 1,218 detainees for a capacity of 678, leading to 180 individuals sleeping on the floor. the women’s section is particularly strained, with 121 women for only 60 available places.
This situation has been exacerbated by the recent escape of a detainee, described as 1.70 meters tall. An Interpol red notice was issued for the individual on Sunday. According to France-Presse agency, the detainee is being prosecuted in connection with the murder of Djalal Chaabi, a drug dealer reportedly shot and killed on January 15 in Ulis (essonne) by two hired assassins, as reported by *Le Parisien*.
The director of the prison governance acknowledged the “about 170%” occupancy rate, stating it “makes the working conditions of our agents more complex.” The Lyon-Corbas remand center was inaugurated in 2009 to replace older, dilapidated prisons in Lyon.
context: Prison overcrowding is a persistent issue in many correctional systems, often leading to strained resources, compromised living conditions, and increased security challenges. High occupancy rates can impact the well-being of both detainees and staff, and may be linked to broader issues such as judicial backlogs, sentencing policies, and the availability of alternative sanctions.
The article was reported by The World with AFP.
