French riot fast-track trials overwhelm courts and anger lawyers

French courts are fast-tracking 900 of the 2,500 people arrested in last weekend's riots through immediate appearance procedures, overwhelming the system and angering lawyers who lack time to meet clients. Defendants like 18-year-old Awa, who looted Yves Saint Laurent bags, face bewildering trials. Most charged are "opportunistic delinquents" with no prior convictions, not political protesters, including workers, students, and delivery drivers. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin urged ruthless sentencing, prompting 125 lawyers to denounce the crackdown as a political response to social anger. Awa received a 12-month suspended sentence, a fine, damages, and 140 hours of community service. Her lawyer blamed politicians for the poverty driving such crimes, arguing the response to anger should be political, not legal.