The number of prisoners in France reached a new record on December 1st, with 75,677 people in prison, compared with 75,130 in the previous month, according to data released on Friday by the French Ministry of Justice.

According to the statistics of the prison administration, this is the largest number of prisoners.

On December 1, there were 61,359 vacant places in French prisons. Thus, the total density of penitentiary institutions was 123.3%.

In pretrial detention centers, where prisoners awaiting trial and those serving short terms are held, occupancy is 148.5%. In 11 units, it reached or even exceeded 200%.

In total, there are currently 17,506 more inmates than available places in French prisons. Because of this overcrowding, 2,748 inmates are forced to sleep on mattresses on the floor, compared to 2,133 inmates a year ago.

Of the total number of detainees, 20,156 are in pretrial detention centers awaiting trial. They make up 26.4% of the total number of prisoners.

A total of 91,855 people were under arrest on December 1. Among them, 16,178 people were not in custody and were on electronic bracelets or on parole for work.

The specific weight of women (3.7% of the total number of prisoners) and minors (0.8%) remained practically stable.

Faced with chronic prison overcrowding, for which France was again condemned by the European Court of Human Rights in July, the government plans to build 15,000 new prison places by 2027.