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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

EXPLAINED: French prison attack probe shifts from terrorism to drug gangs | Rare Historical Photos

France's Prime Minister François Bayrou visits the Saint-Quentin-Fallavier prison centre in southeastern France, one of several to be attacked in recent weeks. AFP - OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE

French anti-terror prosecutors have handed over the investigation into a spate of violent attacks on prisons, saying that the violence is linked to drug gangs rather than terrorism.

At least 10 prisons were targeted over five nights in April. Cars were torched in prison car parks, mortars were fired at detention centres and prison staff were threatened at their homes. In one incident, automatic gunfire hit a housing estate where prison guards live.

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