Located in the 9th district of Marseille, Baumettes Prison, officially recognized as the Penitentiary Center of Marseille, is a notable detention facility. It takes its name from the Les Baumettes district, positioned at 239 Morgiou Road. Over time, the surrounding area has been integrated into the broader cityscape.
Historical Backdrop
The construction and operational history of Baumettes Prison can be encapsulated into several key points:
- Construction Timeline: The building phase of Baumettes Prison took place from 1933 to 1939, a period marked by the global shift towards modernity;
- Artistic Contribution: Antoine Sartorio, a renowned sculptor, lent his artistic talents to the prison, embedding unique sculptures that add a significant cultural dimension to the facility;
- Operational Commencement: The doors of the prison officially opened in 1936, marking the beginning of its long history in the French penal system;
- Facility Size: Spanning an area of approximately 30,000 square meters, Baumettes Prison is among the larger detention facilities in France, designed to manage a considerable inmate population;
- Capacity and Demographics: With 1,380 cells, the prison houses about 1,700 inmates. This population is predominantly male and includes a diverse array of nationalities, reflecting the global nature of Marseille as a city;
- Specialized Units: The complex is not just a monolith but contains specialized sections for juvenile offenders and female prisoners, indicating a nuanced approach to incarceration;
- Medical Facilities: A prison hospital within the premises underscores the institution’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of its inmates, an essential aspect of humane incarceration practices.
These elements collectively highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of Baumettes Prison, embodying its role within the broader context of Marseille’s societal and penal landscape.
Renovation and Modernization
Initiated in 2006, a comprehensive 10-year renovation endeavor was set in motion to elevate the prison’s hygiene, safety, and security standards. With an estimated cost of around €133 million, the initial phase focused on upgrading entrance areas, watchtowers, visitation rooms, and constructing new dining facilities and workshops. Subsequently, efforts were directed towards refurbishing the living quarters for prisoners, starting in 2009.
Notable Events
Baumettes Prison has been the site for three of France’s last executions: Ali Benyanès in 1973, Christian Ranucci on July 28, 1976, and Hamida Djandoubi on September 10, 1977. A significant controversy arose in January 2015 when La Provence reported that inmates had been posting pictures on a Facebook page showcasing illicit items. Although authorities shut down the page, a similar one soon emerged. The incident highlighted staffing shortages among prison guards and prompted politician Eric Ciotti to advocate for a comprehensive reform plan for French prisons.
Conclusion
Baumettes Prison stands as a complex emblem of France’s penal history and its ongoing struggles with prison reform and inmate management. Through its decades of operation, significant renovations, and the spotlight of public scrutiny, it reflects broader issues of incarceration, rehabilitation, and the need for systemic improvements within the penal system. The call for a “Marshall Plan” for French prisons, in response to challenges highlighted by incidents within its walls, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. As Baumettes Prison continues to evolve, it serves as a critical case study for the potential transformation of penal institutions to better serve society and those within their confines.