France Imposes Curfews After Unrest as Courts Hand Down First Sentences to Looters

Several French cities remain under curfew following recent protests that escalated into riots and widespread looting, while courts are handing down their first sentences to looters. The developments were reported by "Aktuaalne kaamera", the Russian-language programme of Estonian public broadcaster ERR. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin says police and courts are reacting extremely harshly, a stance that shapes how the authorities are dealing with the unrest.

Damage and court action

According to preliminary estimates, more than 3,000 shops, restaurants, cafés and other businesses were hit by rampages and looting. One of them is a video game store in central Paris. Its owner, Uri Zaguri, puts his losses at between 100,000 and 150,000 euros, counting smashed windows, the façade, shutters and stolen goods.

Darmanin said offenders will have to compensate the damage. In his view, a hard line is needed because otherwise shop owners and local residents would start taking justice into their own hands. About 150 people have been sent to prison so far, and that number will rise as police custody periods come to an end. More than 800 people have been brought before courts. The minister stressed that people with no previous convictions are being jailed, which he described as very rare and possibly unprecedented for property damage offences.

Minister for Digital Affairs Anne Le Hénanff called on online marketplaces to remove listings offering stolen goods.

Curfew and residents' views

Curfews have been introduced in several districts of Paris, as well as in the centres of Lyon, Lille and Nice. The past night passed calmly in French cities. Parisians describe helicopters circling overhead and restrictions affecting restaurants. Entry to Place de la République and Châtelet is completely banned.

The curfew will stay in force tonight, and new protests are planned for next weekend.