In a tense incident on Friday, an inmate at a prison in the southern French city of Arles took five staff members hostage in the facility's infirmary. According to police and prison service sources cited by AFP, the prisoner was armed with a handmade shank.
The situation began around 11:15 a.m. (10:15 GMT), when the inmate seized control of the infirmary, holding four nurses and one prison guard captive. Authorities responded swiftly to the incident, deploying negotiators in an attempt to resolve the standoff peacefully.
As of the latest updates, the status of the hostages remains uncertain, and officials are working diligently to ensure their safety. The motive behind the inmate's actions has not been disclosed, and investigations are ongoing to determine the underlying reasons for the hostage-taking.
This alarming event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the French prison system in maintaining security and ensuring the well-being of both staff and inmates. Further details will be provided as the situation develops.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
