Prisons: 84,951 Inmates as of July 1, a New Record

Radio France Internationale

Center

Factuality

Ownership

On 1 July 2025, a new record of overcrowding in French prisons was beaten with 84,951 prisoners counted for 62,509 places available. The situation is particularly deteriorated in prisons where the number of detainees compared to its operational capacity is 167%. The defendants, awaiting trial, are nevertheless presumed innocent.

TF1 INFO

Center

Factuality

Ownership

The number of prisoners in French prisons was 84,951 on 1 July 2025, according to the Ministry of the Interior in its last report. This is an unprecedented level. - A record number of detainees in France on 1 July (Police, justice and other facts).

Le Monde

Lean Left

Factuality

Ownership

While prison density peaks at 135.9% on average, 29 institutions now exceed 200% of the population.

Liberation

Lean Left

Factuality

Ownership

France is among the worst pupils in Europe in terms of prison overcrowding, third behind Slovenia and Cyprus, according to a study published in July 2025 by the Council of Europe.

Le Parisien

Lean Right

Factuality

Ownership

France is among the worst pupils in Europe in terms of prison overcrowding, third behind Cyprus and Romania.