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Devils Island Prison, French Guiana

From series “Famous prisons of the world”
Year: 1852.

Devil's Island is located off the coast of French Guiana. It became famous all over the world thanks to the terrible prison. It was built in 1852. The prison has been known as a place with terrible conditions since its foundation. It is estimated that more than 80,000 prisoners died there during the prison's operation. Political prisoners and dangerous criminals were exiled to Devil's Island from all over France. The decision to close the prison was made in 1952.

Devils Island Prison, French Guiana Many famous people were held in prison during the years of its operation. The famous French officer Alfred Dreyfus was among them. His imprisonment was one of the most high-profile events in the political and military sphere of France at the end of the 19th century. The officer was sentenced to prison on suspicion of high treason. He was initially sentenced to death.

This fact has stirred up the public. Thousands of people came to the officer's defense. Many well-known political and cultural figures were among them. Emile Zola became one of the main defenders of the accused. The public mood was categorical. The French authorities have decided to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment. A well-known anarchist named Clement Duval also served time in prison in the late 19th century. He was one of the few prisoners who managed to escape from prison. He escaped in 1901. Subsequently, he wrote his book about the years of imprisonment on Devil's Island.

A veteran of the First World War, Belbenoit also served his sentence in the prison. He was sentenced to prison for stealing several pearls. The Devil's Island Prison is a popular tourist attraction today. Almost all of its territory is open for excursions. The old prison building is surrounded by an incredibly beautiful tropical landscape. Apart from this building, there are no other buildings on the island. Reconstruction was carried out in the prison before opening it for tours. The bar was open in one of the rooms. Tourists are offered to try the punch prepared according to old recipes in it. Next - Guantanamo Prison


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Devils Island Prison - interactive map

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