The penal colony on Devil’s Island is permanently closed.

Devil’s Island, part of the Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) off the coast of French Guiana in South America, was one of the most infamous penal colonies in history. Established by the French government in 1852, it was used to exile political prisoners, hardened criminals, and other undesirables from France. The penal colony, often simply referred to as Devil’s Island, included three islands: Île Royale, Île Saint-Joseph, and Île du Diable (Devil’s Island).

Harsh Conditions: The penal colony was notorious for its brutal living conditions. Prisoners faced extreme isolation, harsh tropical weather, disease, and malnutrition. Many died from the harsh conditions, and the chances of survival and escape were slim.

Political Prisoners: The island is perhaps most famously associated with Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a French military officer wrongfully convicted of treason in 1894. He was imprisoned on Devil’s Island for nearly five years before being exonerated in what became known as the Dreyfus Affair, a significant event in French history.

Notable Prisoners: Aside from Dreyfus, Devil’s Island housed other high-profile prisoners, including political dissidents, anarchists, and common criminals. The isolation and the difficulty of the terrain made escape nearly impossible, though there were a few famous attempts.

Closure: The penal colony operated until 1953 when it was officially closed. By then, it had become a symbol of inhumanity and cruelty, and the French government gradually phased out the use of such colonies.

Legacy: Today, Devil’s Island is a historical site, and while the islands are not heavily visited due to their remote location, they remain a powerful reminder of the harsh penal practices of the past.