French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced 2,700 arrests and 217 incarcerations following violent protests over the cost of living in major cities.
Custody numbers rise after protests
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that 2,700 people had been placed in custody and 217 had been incarcerated since Saturday, following protests against the "cost of living" that included scenes of violence and looting in Paris, Marseille, and Lille. Charges and incarceration figures
Darmanin described the response as "extremely firm" and noted that more than a third of the 2,700 people placed in custody had been formally charged. He stated that as of the day of the announcement, 217 people were incarcerated, a figure that had previously been reported as 149 on Tuesday. Profile of incarcerated individuals
Darmanin noted that the incarcerated individuals were typically men aged 18 to 25 who were not previously known to judicial authorities. In an effort to maintain a strict approach, Darmanin sent a new circular to prosecutors and public prosecutors, requesting the suspension of civil rights and banning from social media for those involved. New penalties proposed
The circular also called for appeals against decisions deemed non-compliant with the existing penal policy circular and for additional penalties such as bans on participating in demonstrations. The non-compliance with such bans could result in a year in prison and a 15,000 euro fine. The public prosecution was also urged to request the suspension of civil rights, including the right to vote, for a period of time. Civil rights and social media bans
Darmanin argued that individuals involved in attacks on police and gendarmes, looting of stores, or participating in riots against public buildings should not be allowed to exercise their civil rights in upcoming elections. He also expressed a desire for a "ban from social media" penalty, which he said was underutilized.
