France sparks outcry with plan for prison wing near former penal colony

As France prepares to construct a 500-capacity high-security prison wing near Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni in French Guiana, locals and officials are expressing strong opposition, viewing it as disrespectful to France's colonial history and an overreach into their territories. The project, part of a $450m initiative set to complete by 2028, has drawn criticism for lacking consultation with stakeholders and perpetuating a colonial narrative, prompting calls for its withdrawal.