France's Justice Minister Demands Severe Sentences for Paris Looters

France's Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has called for "extremely severe" sentences for looters, warning that shop owners and residents will take justice into their own hands if penalties are insufficient. Darmanin stated that 149 people are currently in pre-trial detention or under arrest warrants on suspicion of looting. He emphasized that justice must be administered in the name of the Republic to prevent vigilante action, describing looters as betraying France and the economic life of entrepreneurs. The remarks follow two consecutive nights of looting in Paris during October 17 protests against rising prices and social issues. Over 2,000 people have been detained nationwide, and the government has imposed a curfew amid the unrest.