The Parliament gave the green light on Tuesday evening to the appointment of the journalist of the
Canard enchaîné
Dominique Simonnot to the post of General Controller of places of deprivation of liberty, where she intends to see her recommendations applied "
with the greatest firmness
".
His appointment at the head of the CGLPL was validated by a narrow majority in the evening, we learned from a parliamentary source.
Out of 43 voters, 40 deputies and senators expressed themselves, 22 for his appointment and 18 against, said this source.
To read also: The journalist of the "Canard enchaîné" Dominique Simonnot chosen to become general controller of the prisons
Heard earlier in the afternoon by parliamentarians, Dominique Simonnot, proposed for this post on October 5 by President Emmanuel Macron, explained that she had "
no intention of leading an institution that would serve as a alibi
”.
"
It's a huge problem
" that the recommendations of the Comptroller General are not binding, said the court columnist before the vote.
"
I will do all I can to ensure that these recommendations are implemented with the greatest firmness
."
"
I will not hesitate to alert the press and come to see you to ask for your help, after all the legislator is also there to fix things, I only ask to work with the institutions
“, Assured Mrs. Simonnot to the senators who questioned her.
The post had been vacant since the departure in mid-July of Adeline Hazan, who served for six years at the head of this independent administrative authority.
The Controller General of Prisons (CGLPL) ensures the defense of fundamental rights in prisons, psychiatric hospitals, administrative detention centers, closed educational centers and local police custody.
In particular, it may be seized by detainees or their relatives.
Read also: Prisons: Dominique Simonnot heard this Tuesday in the Senate and then in the Assembly
Dominique Simonnot is 68 years old.
She was a journalist for the daily
Liberation
before joining the satirical weekly in 2006 where she publishes a weekly legal column entitled "
Coups de barre
", in particular by following the hearings for immediate appearance.
She has published several books on justice.
Before becoming a journalist, she had worked in the prison administration as an educator.
In front of the senators, the journalist said she was "
surprised
" by her appointment and promised to "
fulfill this heavy task with the most honesty, impartiality and determination
".
Denouncing the “
often unworthy conditions
” in prison, Dominique Simonnot notably announced his intention to continue to develop “
all possible alternatives
” to imprisonment such as the electronic bracelet.
“
In remand centers, overcrowding has never stopped despite the deceleration, in some places we still have up to 190%
” occupancy rate, she added.
