French courts show severity in post-October 17 protest hearings

Following the October 17 protests against the high cost of living, French courts have begun holding immediate hearings for suspects, revealing varied profiles and a justice system showing notable severity. Of the 2,500 people held in custody, 917 have been brought before judges. The defendants are mostly adult men with diverse backgrounds, including employees, students, and the unemployed, with few showing political motives. While many received suspended sentences, courts have also imposed firm prison terms, sometimes with immediate incarceration, and have been criticized by 127 lawyers for an "ultra-repressive" approach.