High-Security Measures for Paris Attack Suspect Cost France €430,000 Annually

Since his incarceration 5 years ago, Salah Abdeslam has been placed in total isolation, monitored 24 hours a day by video surveillance. The French authorities are absolutely determined that one of the accused in this tragedy be tried and answer for the acts that cost hundreds of lives.

The security system set up to monitor the prisoner from his cell was the subject of a ministerial decree after the fact, on June 9, 2016, and was then voted by Parliament. It was also validated by the Council of State. This was not to the liking of Salah Abdeslam, who had appealed to the high administrative court. But he had been told that "the exceptional nature of the terrorist acts" for which he is being prosecuted "implied that all precautions be taken to prevent his suicide and escape".

According to the law, a detainee placed under the isolation regime "retains his rights to information, visits, written and telephone correspondence, the exercise of worship and benefits from at least one hour of daily outdoor exercise". According to the Chancellery, the costs of the type of surveillance to which Salah Abdeslam is subjected amount to more than 430,000 euros per year, including 397,340 euros for personnel expenses. In addition to the cell occupied by Salah Abdeslam, four others are mobilized as a security measure.