French courts rush October 17 protest trials, most get suspended sentences

Dozens of people arrested during looting on October 17 were tried in immediate appearance hearings on Tuesday, October 20, in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, with most receiving suspended sentences below prosecutor demands. At the Paris tribunal, four courtrooms were reserved for about fifty cases, with an additional room for guilty-plea procedures. Lawyers denounced "historic repression" and accused Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin of undermining judicial independence, while delays raised risks of procedural nullities. The hearings followed a national mobilization marked by pillaging, with authorities prioritizing rapid processing. Defense attorneys argued the rushed procedures compromised fair trial guarantees, though most convictions resulted in non-custodial sentences.