Prison Heatwave Crisis Hits France, Italy, and Belgium

France, Italy, and Belgium are experiencing a prison heatwave crisis as extreme summer temperatures worsen conditions in overcrowded correctional facilities. In France, prison occupancy averaged 141.3% as of July 1, with inmates reporting temperatures exceeding 37°C.

Dominique Simonnot, France’s chief prison inspector, noted a surge in complaints during a June heatwave, including reports of multiple inmates in small cells. A prisoner at Limoges prison fainted during the July heatwave, prompting concerns from his lawyer, Charly Salkazanov.

The French Justice Ministry has responded by increasing access to water and showers and allowing inmates to purchase fans. Italy’s prison occupancy was at 139.7% in late July, with authorities allocating €800,000 for fans and refrigerators.

Belgium reported a prison occupancy of 121% in August, with rising tensions among inmates. Activists have highlighted inhumane conditions, prompting coordinated visits to 34 prisons.

Prison directors in both countries acknowledged the challenges posed by outdated infrastructure and extreme heat.