Judicial severity after October 17 protests

Hundreds of protesters arrested following the October 17 mobilizations in France are facing an unusually harsh judicial process, with legal professionals criticizing the system as politically motivated. Lawyers argue that the judiciary is being used to suppress dissent rather than administer justice.

Lawyers protest against political justice

Fifty lawyers attended court sessions in Paris on October 20 to protest what they describe as a "historical repression." They claim the system is prioritizing order over fair legal principles, with one lawyer stating, "We will never accept that justice becomes the armed arm of repression."

High number of detainees processed quickly

According to the Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, 300 of the 557 people arrested after the October 17 demonstration had already appeared before a magistrate by October 20. The prosecutor's office described the number of referrals to court as "unprecedented."

Youth defendants face severe charges

Among those in court was Victor, a 21-year-old student, who was charged with throwing projectiles at police and shouting "ACAB." The prosecutor requested five months in prison, but the court sentenced him to six months with a suspended sentence. Another defendant, Ryan, 20, was arrested with stolen glasses and faced a two-year prison request.

Young defendants with clean records

François, 20, and Mathilde, 19, were also judged harshly despite having no criminal records. François was accused of carrying a knife and a police baton, while Mathilde had a gas mask and had written a lawyer’s number on her arm. The prosecutor requested seven months in prison, and the court sentenced François to eight months, two of which were definite.

Legal professionals criticize court conditions

Maiwelle Mezi, a Paris lawyer, described the conditions in custody as "unprecedented indignity," including overcrowded cells and limited access to toilets. She criticized the use of charges like "participation in a group with the intention of committing damage," which she says are meant to suppress political mobilization.

Legal procedures under scrutiny

Mezi also raised concerns about the use of detention orders for defendants with no prior offenses, arguing that this approach violates the principle of individualized punishment. She questioned the fairness of banning people from living in Paris if they had participated in protests.

Government influence on judiciary

The Justice Minister, Gérald Darmanin, reportedly instructed prosecutors to treat cases as organized crime, extending custody periods. This has drawn criticism from legal professionals, including Manon Lefebvre of the Syndicat de la Magistrature, who warned against political pressure on the judiciary.

Repression as a political tool

Raphaël Kempf, a criminal lawyer, called the government’s approach "carefully orchestrated" to suppress dissent. He criticized Darmanin for acting as if he were the nation’s prosecutor, emphasizing that the focus has shifted from justice to maintaining order through force and repression.

Planned protests and police response

A second mobilization was announced for October 24, with the government pledging a "massive" police deployment. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned of using specialized anti-terrorism units to counter the protests, signaling continued tensions between the state and demonstrators.