France Plans Supermax Prison Near Infamous Devil’s Island Site

France is preparing to construct a high-security Supermax prison close to the historic site of Devil’s Island, once a notorious penal colony known for its harsh conditions and infamous prisoners. This move reflects efforts to modernize the country’s correctional system by introducing advanced security measures and facilities. The new prison aims to address contemporary needs while acknowledging the area's dark past, marking a significant development in France’s approach to incarceration and public safety.

France intends to establish a new maximum-security prison located in the Amazon rainforest, close to the historic site of the infamous Devil’s Island penal colony, which inspired the 1973 film “Papillon” starring Steve McQueen.

During a visit to French Guiana, a French territory neighboring Suriname and Brazil, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that the prison will detain major drug traffickers and radical Islamist inmates. The facility is planned for Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, near the border with Suriname, and will accommodate 500 prisoners, including 60 in the highest security level.

Addressing reporters, Darmanin explained that the new prison aims to reduce overcrowding in French Guiana’s jails and tackle the increasing drug trafficking issues in the region. He noted that French Guiana is a key transit route for cocaine moving from South America to European markets.

According to CNN affiliate BFMTV, violent clashes between criminal groups have resulted in a homicide rate of 18.4 per 100,000 in French Guiana, compared to just 1.2 per 100,000 in mainland France. Darmanin emphasized that residents of overseas territories deserve the same safety standards as those living in mainland France.

The minister also highlighted how high-level criminals often use profits from illegal activities to bribe officials, allowing some to maintain control of their networks even from behind bars. Currently, 49 top drug traffickers are held in French Guiana and other French overseas regions, but Darmanin said the existing facilities fail to securely contain these highly dangerous inmates.

The new prison complex will include a courthouse and is projected to cost 400 million euros (about $451 million), Darmanin revealed on his Facebook page. For many, this announcement recalls the dark legacy of the Cayenne penal colony, commonly referred to as Devil’s Island, which imprisoned French convicts until 1953. Devil’s Island gained notoriety for its brutal and inhumane conditions, inspiring not only a 1939 film featuring Boris Karloff but also the novel “Papillon,” which was adapted into two movies.

For questions or comments write to contactus@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: CNN