Arrest of political activist

A 22-year-old political activist named Ritchy Thibault was arrested by plainclothes police on October 1st after helping high school students at Paul-Éluard high school in Saint-Denis, a major hub for recent protests.

Charges against Thibault

Thibault is currently in pre-trial detention for allegedly calling for "burn the Élysée," a reference to the official residence of the French president. The charge highlights the intensity of the ongoing protests and the legal consequences faced by those involved.

Number of arrests reported

According to the justice minister, 123 people have been incarcerated since Saturday, with Thibault among the first arrested. This number reflects the scale of the government's response to the youth-led mobilizations.

Criticism of the arrest

Supporters of Thibault, who is known for making provocative statements, have criticized the arrest as an attack on freedom of expression. They argue that the legal action is disproportionate and targets dissent.

Detainees linked to protests

Penitentiary centers across France now hold several dozen people connected to the youth mobilizations and the October 17th protests, which have drawn widespread attention and debate.