Saad Lamjarred Imprisoned in Fresnes After Sentence Increase

Moroccan artist Saad Lamjarred has been incarcerated at the Fresnes prison complex, south of Paris, following an appellate ruling that sentenced him to 10 years, drawing attention to the facility. This follows Moroccan media reports of his transfer after his rape conviction sentence was increased. Fresnes prison, a key correctional institution in greater Paris, was chosen for its location, not, as rumored, exclusively for high-risk inmates. The century-old facility faces growing official criticism for overcrowding and deteriorating conditions, especially in its men's section. The Criminal Court of Appeal in Créteil, southeast of the French capital, convicted Lamjarred in a 2016 rape case. The court increased his sentence from six to ten years and ordered immediate imprisonment. His lawyers announced plans to appeal this ruling before the French Court of Cassation. **About Fresnes Prison:** Located in the Val-de-Marne department near Paris, Fresnes prison opened in 1898, as per the French Ministry of Justice. It comprises men's and women's sections, a prisoner assessment center, and healthcare facilities. Not reserved for a single detainee category, Fresnes accommodates defendants awaiting trial, those with short sentences, individuals awaiting transfer, and those serving long sentences in dedicated sections. The French Ministry of Justice sets the total capacity at 1,603 places for men and women. In July 2026, the French Independent Oversight Authority for Places of Deprivation of Liberty issued urgent recommendations after visiting Fresnes' men's section. The visit revealed 171 percent occupancy, severe staff shortages, deteriorating buildings, and limited detainee activities. During their visit, observers counted 2,008 detainees in the section (excluding new arrivals); 31 percent shared cells with two others. The report noted individual cells are 9.8 square meters, accommodating three via bunk beds. Deteriorated bathrooms, water leaks, and infestations of rodents, including bed bugs, were observed. The Authority stated, "overcrowding, aging buildings, and their deteriorating condition infringes upon detainees' dignity and staff's working conditions." It urged authorities to plan the prison's future, including renovation or complete reconstruction. In a related context, French newspaper "Le Monde" covered Fresnes prison conditions in a July report, noting widespread complaints of insect and rodent infestations. It also reported the International Observatory of Prisons sought administrative justice, demanding urgent measures for deteriorating detention conditions.