According to the La Montagne newspaper dated Tuesday 29th September 2010, the French government wants to close the prison in Aurillac (Cantal) in 2015 because it is outdated. Alain Calmette, the Mayor, and Jacques Mézard, the Senator, are leading the fight against the closure; they consider that the Government’s case is unfounded.
Michelle Alliot-Marie, the French Justice Minister, asserts that the State is simply applying the law adopted in 2009 concerning the closure of all outdated French prisons.
The two local politicians say that Aurillac prison underwent improvements in 2009 and that conditions for prisoners are good. They add that the closure of Aurillac prison adds to the slow degradation of public services; the ministry of justice is just trying to make spending cuts by closing down small prisons.
They are calling for an urgent public debate on the matter. The Senator wants the government to take a more responsible attitude. According to the unions, the closure will further weaken the role of the police and the court.
Local people are determined to fight the closure, but more support is needed. It is necessary to show that the prison works well; the president of the bar wants to organize a visit of the premises. The campaign has only just began…
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