PARIS — The Tribunal de Paris, France’s largest courthouse, has been handling a surge of expedited trials following the country’s extensive riots last weekend, with more than 2,500 arrests nationwide, including roughly 550 in Paris. The fast-track hearings, typically reserved for low-level offenses, have been deployed to address the large volume of cases arising from the unrest, which saw protests escalate into violent confrontations, property damage, and widespread looting.
The trials are part of the French government’s response to quell the unrest that erupted after mass demonstrations on Saturday, when over half a million people took to the streets. The protests, originally sparked by youths demanding improved school conditions, evolved into clashes with police and attacks on government buildings, resulting in more than 3,000 businesses being looted.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has directed prosecutors to pursue severe penalties against those involved, labeling the initial convictions as the start of an extended effort to impose accountability. His outspoken approach drew criticism from defense lawyers who gathered in court on Tuesday to decry what they described as the politicization of the judiciary. They highlighted that the protests began as student-led demands and urged caution in the legal proceedings.
Among the cases reviewed was that of Victor Bertois, a 21-year-old video production student from a northern suburb of Paris. Prosecutors accused him of participating in violence against police, including throwing stones and helping build barricades. Bertois denied these allegations, stating he only intervened to prevent a fire from spreading and contended that he was beaten by officers during his arrest. His attorney described him as being “at the wrong place at the wrong time,” and noted he had no prior criminal record.
Another defendant, 18-year-old Moustapha Dembele, originally from Senegal and residing in a working-class southern Paris suburb, was charged with throwing bottles and setting off fireworks at police officers. He was also found with seven pairs of stolen glasses and new clothing items allegedly taken during the looting. Dembele claimed ignorance regarding the stolen items and denied witnessing any aggressive behavior. Prosecutors recommended a 10-month prison sentence, which his lawyer called disproportionate given his clean record.
In another case, two friends from the suburbs, Haïte Langeron, 21, and Dalvys Mboukou Samba, 20, were tried together for stealing whiskey from a supermarket that had been ransacked amid the protests. The store owner’s representative described extensive damages estimated at €45,000. The defendants admitted to taking the alcohol to celebrate a birthday but denied involvement in further violence. Messages from their phones indicated intentions to loot and drink, though both apologized in court, expressing regret. They were handed suspended sentences ranging from six to eight months.
The fast-track trials allowed little time for thorough examination, with many defendants and defense lawyers having minimal preparation. Court-appointed attorneys often had limited access to case files or their clients, and judges acknowledged the challenge posed by the large number of detainees. Several hearings concluded with defendants held for hours in detention while awaiting verdicts.
As the court adjourned late Tuesday night, additional rapid hearings were scheduled for the following day amid ongoing efforts by French authorities to process the influx of cases stemming from the recent unrest.