French Rioters Face Court: Excuses Range from Barbecues to Fireworks

Following riots and looting in France, 149 people have been sentenced to prison nationwide as of Tuesday midday, according to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. Over 800 of the roughly 2,500 arrested have been brought before prosecutors. Court protocols from fast-track proceedings in Paris, published by Actu-Juridique, show defendants' justifications. A 21-year-old found with Molotov cocktail materials claimed he planned a birthday barbecue; he received eight months. A 20-year-old with a knife and knuckle-duster said he was only "playing tough"; he also got eight months. A Tunisian student admitted throwing balloons filled with excrement at police, claiming solidarity with protesters. Andy M., who fired a firework at officers on the Champs-Élysées, said he "didn't think" and received a twelve-month suspended sentence.