France's Justice Minister demands severe sentences for Paris looters

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin called for "extremely severe" sentences for looters, warning that shop owners and residents might take justice into their own hands if punishments are insufficient. Darmanin stated that 149 people are in pre-trial detention or under arrest warrants for suspected looting. He emphasized that justice must act in the name of the Republic to prevent vigilante actions, describing looters as betraying France and the economic life of entrepreneurs. The remarks came after two 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.